Alissa returns to Kar in her quest to track down the shadowy syndicate behind the plot in the desert––only to find her search blocked as much by the constraints of university life as by the threats and deadly attacks she encountered in Irithen.

Until the assassin strikes, revealing a whole new level of intrigue and expertise.

Fleeing to the capital to discover who is behind the conspiracy is one way of taking the initiative.

It also takes her into greater danger as she comes face to face with the invaders––and the terrifying Captain Reith who has haunted her dreams ever since she saw him on a grainy vid-recording in the desert. A compelling attraction she still does not understand..

Maybe love will prove more powerful than war…