A fracturing order. An impossible choice. And an old enemy on the hunt… Almost two years have passed since Alyx Egalion was sent to DarkSkull Hall to become a mage. Now a half-trained mage apprentice, Alyx wields a depth of magic that scares even the corrupt Mage Council. Summoned abruptly home, Alyx and her friends find themselves unprepared for the changes that have occurred during their absence. Worse, the Shiven threat is growing, their armies building up along the Rionnan border. Invasion is inevitable. When a Taliath is revealed, Alyx and Finn find themselves on opposing sides of a larger battle. Neither of them is willing to yield. The stakes are higher than ever before as they must navigate the treacherous political landscape of Alistriem and try to investigate the true source of the darkness invading their home. Can Alyx use her powerful magic to save Rionn and the people she loves?
