loss of two for the prince of fireelder souleymane's treachery may have been justified all along. conveying an offer of peace from the dark queen, he seeks salvation in this strange land. nearing chesnue by night, however, he makes a fatal mistake.meanwhile, healer dalila loses herself in memories of elder war--recollections provoked by shen's request for a letter of intent. alas, before challenging constantine, she first must remember the man.elsewhere, giselle harbors a secret, and ana finds herself hopelessly tricked. as unseen events stack the odds against drake, the young commander struggles with the darkness in his soul and missteps.now, as the final hour approaches, the prophecy hinges upon the guardian, and soon, the fate of all may be sealed if the realm is lost to permanent night.