Her family needs to be saved.
He desires to protect his people.
Alara has nothing left save the burn scar her father-who is unknown-left and her ailing mother, who she must tend to in order to survive. Alara trades and steals whatever she can to survive. She can only get away from herself when she shuts her eyes and imagines living a new life.
Raised to serve as the royal family's guard, Zayen must keep his identity a secret or risk death. According to others, his whole value is derived from his last name. According to him, the only thing that makes him valuable is the good he can do for people who are in need. However, in a world where the pure of heart are left behind, that is easier said than done.
Alara and Zayen discover a universe that attempted to remain secret when they are forced to collaborate. It opens up every possibility, and nothing is secure.