Why is the first rule of the Cannon to trust no one? Because even your shadow will leave you in darkness.

This is how Aerietta Elony was raised. She knew better than to trust anyone―especially her enemies. So how did she end up in Hell?

Aerietta has never had a purpose in her life apart from surviving. After escaping the clutch of Azmar Quay, only to fall into the Cruel King's hands, it doesn't feel like her luck is improving. In fact, Aerietta is pretty confident she's going to die in these mines. If she could die, of course. But when Prince Finnegan Atwood shows up at her cell door, she's convinced things are only going to get better. Until she arrives at what Finnegan calls "the Citadel" and realizes what it is―the staging grounds for a war.

Aerietta will do anything for her freedom. To finally be able to walk free, start a new life. But she is plagued with the curiosity about the mysteries surrounding her. Why were the silver mines empty of any silver? Why did Lyom show up in Kinecardine, only to turn away agin? Who are the whisperers that speak to her when she's asleep? And why is the most important artifact hanging around Princess Haraya's neck?

Darkness veils the truth in disorienting shadows, secrets are kept at the cost of one's life, and Aerietta is about to learn that sometimes the only way out of the fire, is through it.