Twisted Magic. Wicked schemes. A choice that threatens to doom his quest to failure. Laeka'Draeon and his companions have awakened the first of the Beacon Throne guardians. But only with the power of all four guardians can he hope to stop Valadae's imminent destruction and fulfil his calling as the last of the dragons. His journey takes him west, into a kingdom rife with conflict and unexpected perils. And when one of his friends is captured by Trappers, Laeka'Draeon's actions lead to terrifying consequences. The quest on hold, Laeka'Draeon delves into the dangerous underworld of an illegal slave trade, risking capture and death in order to right wrongs and restore what was taken from him. Laeka'Draeon faces his greatest challenge yet, and this time the powers of a dragon are useless.