As an evil emperor struggles to maintain his immortality, two of his subjects embark on fateful adventures in this epic fantasy trilogy debut. For the past nine centuries, Emperor Kostimon has ruled Imperia from the Ruby Throne, even as lawlessness and greed threaten to bring the empire crumbling to the ground. But his immortality stems from a bargain with the very source of evil itself: the dark lord Beloth. Now, as Kostimon's tenth and final lifetime begins, the shadow god is growing restless... As the son of Imperia's most powerful healer, Caelan E'Non is expected to follow in his father's footsteps. Except Caelan feels a burning desire to blaze his own trail--and possesses a magic he does not understand. Meanwhile, Elandra Albain has been raised as a servant in her father's house. Her spoiled sister, Lady Bixia, is thought to be destined for greatness. But Elandra has a surprising destiny all her own. Now, in a time of unimaginable upheaval, Caelan and Elandra begin journeys of adventure and terrifying danger--journeys that will alter the course of Imperia forever.