After a decisive victory, Thalassan forces occupy the Gaian city of Tartarus. Prince Daemyn of Thalassa's murder may have been avenged, but the kingdom's determination for sovereignty will not be abated. Gaia's High Council won't stand for their insult much longer. Despite their triumph, Thalassa cannot afford to go head to head against Gaia's Empire time and again. Troops will march and people will die, but mind-reading Gaians have more insidious plans to bring their rebellious vassal kingdom in line once more.Xander, newly appointed lieutenant in Thalassa's army, wants to prove that his men can weather any storm in order to accomplish their mission. He'll stop at nothing to show that an orphan child can turn the tide.Ana of Gaia waits for her beloved on Thalassan beaches, desperate to stand firm amongst the tumultuous nature of fate.Seth of Gaia, High Guardsman turned Spymaster, desires power behind the scenes of Gaia's Empire. Using friend and foe alike, he has discovered Thalassan intel that could fracture the kingdom and secure a stronger future for his homeland.Murchadh of Thalassa, a disheartened wounded veteran, will use his skills of interrogation to pinpoint the weaknesses of both Thalassa and Gaia in order to sew chaos amongst those who betrayed him. Princess Roselyn of Thalassa holds tightly to the secret that stands to ruin her family's name.With alternating perspectives of war and tragedy, love and loss, secrets, lies, and counterplots - the fight for a nation's independence continues here.