A hidden enemy has stolen the phoenixes' immortality. Quayla lingers at death's door, her sacrifice failing to avert the theft or purchase forgiveness. The Fey press their advantage, and the Shield's new enemy baits a deadly trap. While the others search, Atlanta's Shieldheart, Vitae, chases nightmares. Mare cries out to him in tortured whispers. She's alive, imprisoned in a Fey hellscape. She needs his help. Vitae formulates a desperate plan. Others might mistake his genius for madness, but he won't be stopped. He'll free Mare even if he must master the forbidden. Can Quayla recover in time to foil the villain and save Vitae from himself?