Finally returned to the world, Ardelle Atretis leads a weakened Charles Chavox in search of his former master, the weight of her lover's apparent death heavy on her shoulders. Betala, Arcana of Fire, seeks to return her to the fold as a fully integrated Avatar but Ardelle can't let go of the past. No one came for her, for one hundred and fifty years she rotted in Wylltraethel, hopeless. Aurin had been her savior, his selfless sacrifice had returned her to the world, but now even he was gone. She had only his last wish to drive her, "Protect Charles." This new responsibility has led her to the gates of Falderal, the first city to fall during Barrah's return. Salvation may lie among the ruins, but the city is far from empty. Demons and their wicked Harpy taskmasters roam the once grand streets destroying anything that dares to cross their boundaries. Will her power alone be enough to save them?