A murdered empress. A missing emperor. Mairynne Evangale called them Mother, Father. The country mourns while rumors of unrest stir. The sorcery castes struggle for power and the casteless riot in the streets. Conflict hadn't escalated this rapidly in Nantai since the Ryū Wars more than five ages past. The people need a new imperial leader. Mairynne's soul yearns for many things, but she never wished for the duty her Father assigned. She carries two soul stones, one cold and the other hot. They came to her with the loss of each parent. They call to her, beckoning her to leave home. They reinforce her convictions . . . Her father lives. He will return to his seat upon the Serpentine Throne. But first, she must answer the call.