War in the Empire and beyond its borders is approaching. Helena Aquilla, the Emperor's Raven, faces attacks from all sides. Emperor Markus, haunted by the past, is losing his sanity, and the ruthless commander of the military academy is exploiting his madness to strengthen her own power. Helena is trying to find a way to stop the impending darkness. The lives of not only her sister but all the inhabitants of the Empire are at stake. Laia from the Scholars knows that the fate of the world does not depend on the intrigues of the warrior court, but on whether they can stop the Darkbearer. In her attempt to overthrow him, she encounters unexpected threats from those she relied on for help. Elias Veturius has given up his freedom in the realm between life and death to serve as a Soul Keeper. However, this has bound him to an ancient power that will stop at nothing to ensure Elias's loyalty — even at the cost of losing his humanity.
