Out of fury.

Out of vengeance.

The pact is made.

The cost will be immense.

And love, even the kind born between enemies, may be the most lethal betrayal of all.

Sixth Part: The Heart of the Abyss

The stars of Yvelia fall silent as Saeris approaches the sealed heart of the world: the Door of Ajun. Dairon is with her, but his steps are heavy. They both know opening that door will awaken something that has slept for centuries. Something that destroyed empires and broke the will of the First Fae. Something that bleeds in the roots of the earth.

—You don’t have to do this —he says, fear burning in his eyes.

—I do —Saeris replies—. Because no one else can.

With Hayden as a hostage and the Fae divided between loyalty and terror, Saeris crosses the threshold. What she finds beyond isn’t an army or a monster.

It’s a version of herself.

A distorted echo. A fragmented soul that contains all she could become if she gave in to limitless power. The perfect alchemist. The ultimate killer. One who doesn’t love, doesn’t remember, doesn’t doubt.