They demanded obedience. She chose defiance. Now hope rises.

Bria Averton never wanted to return to Talionis. Now she's forced to help train an army poised for destruction, with Commander Ark's invasion of Sitreea just months away. Walking a razor's edge, she appears compliant while secretly sabotaging his plans from within.

Monitored at every turn, Bria finds unexpected allies in Talionis's growing resistance. But the Commander knows exactly where to strike—using Storm and Matthias as leverage, he ensures her defiance comes at an impossible cost.

In a city built on fear, her greatest weapon may be the hope she refuses to surrender.