Shahzar journeys home to face the invading Klemish army, and to allow her husband, Roderick, to know their goddess, Ishas, a faith he denied when the two first met. Fearing his obsession with the dark powers of Shan-Sei, she wants nothing more than to return to the safety and peace of the forestlands. But he presses her forth in his quest to understand himself. Powers shift on enemy soil when Queen Ashandera of Klem, reaches for control of her city and peace with Kaladia. Her brother-in-law and son form an alliance to further her deceased husband's ideals and drive to destroy all who worship the fallen goddess.
Roderick plays his part in the war as Shahzar originally intended and one final time, Ishas, the fallen goddess, forces Shahzar to choose between love and duty. In the end, will the Warrior Queen come to understand the true light of Ishas, or will she fall into the cold darkness so often lapping at her soul?