Eraly’s trust in the Seventh Sisters is beginning to waver. Despite abundant proof that Astoran’s stability is deteriorating, the cloister’s leaders have resolved to adhere to their strict policy of non-interference. Eraly isn’t alone in her frustration, but before she can enact her plan to try to make the leaders see reason, she’s sent back into the field with instructions to infiltrate the nobility of Vyramas. Her covert mission: collect evidence the cloister leaders will be unable to disregard.
An Obscurist, Amir Sharaff was born to deceive. His House has long provided the nobility with reliable and trustworthy spies, and the ambitious Amir’s star is on the rise. What both his House and his noble patron don’t know is he’s also a double agent, gathering proof of the parts the nobles played in the royal massacre. When one of the nobles hints that there may be more to the death of Amir’s noble patron’s son than meets the eye, he can’t ignore the implications, even if they’re meant only to mislead him.
It’s the very opportunity Eraly needs. Amir has connections she lacks, and she possesses multiple skills that will make it easier to uncover the information he needs. Unwilling to fully place his trust in her, Amir nevertheless agrees to an uneasy alliance. What they find shakes the foundation of everything they hold true and sets them on a course that could irrevocably alter the realm.