Plagued by grief and a secret too terrible to share, Sova fights to keep his composure among the Dire Wolves as they prepare for the final battle against the tyrant Dire Saulder. With the fate of the Valley of Lykos hanging in the balance, old allies return to the fight, but tensions run high.

Kyce wrestles with doubt-does Taige's love for him run deep, or is it merely a fleeting attachment? Roeseph is determined to prove his devotion to Elling, no matter the cost. And Sova-caught between duty and desire-wonders if his feelings for Feran are truly his own or the influence of something far more sinister.

As the war's end draws near, Sova can feel the monster inside him growing restless. Every day, the battle within threatens to consume him. And the closer he gets to Feran, the more he fears what will happen if she ever discovers the truth of what he really is.