Book III of the Empire's Legacy series. "We cannot shape the circumstances to fit our lives, only our lives to fit the circumstances. What defines us, as men and women, is how we respond to those circumstances." Exiled from the Empire as a traitor, Casyn's words echo in Lena's mind. Determined to find Casil, the legendary city of beauty and learning in the East, she travels into long-unknown lands. Her experiences in the first winter leave her scarred and afraid, but, resolving to heal, and supported by an unexpected love, she continues her search. A chance meeting with envoys from the Empire and Linrathe, desperately seeking help from Casil, forces her to a difficult decision. Struggling to keep faith with her choices, facing the almost-certain destruction of her land and her people, Lena's journey takes her to a deeper understanding of loyalty, sacrifice, and the dimensions of love.