Every victory has a cost, and destiny demands payment in full. After making a pivotal decision, Viviana Drakul embarks on a mission that could decide the fate of kingdoms. To combat the towering might of King Serventes and his army, she must travel to the desert kingdom of Samqara to forge a political alliance on ground more changeable than the sweeping golden dunes. Old enemies and new friends will challenge her wits and endurance, but the court’s secrets are nothing compared to those of her heart. Torran Vaughn, her trusted ally, takes a similar journey to the wilds of Evonrise, a former penal colony bordering the mystical shadowlands. As danger closes in, he will make desperate choices in the hope of securing the coveted alliance for Viviana and their people. Both must grapple with impossible odds and ugly truths that threaten to destroy everything they hold dear. And in the deadly game of war and desire, the Darkveil Prince might be the most motivated player of all. If Ruby Smoke left you hungry for more, return to Viviana’s journey in this continuing series of magic, longing, and impossible stakes.