Behind the walls of Caer Empathos, the Spado Guard are praised as loyal protectors of the Dark Empaths, but their devotion is born not from honour, but fear. When Gelderan refuses the ritual that would strip him of his freedom, his execution forces Ralia to confront Sanil over the true purpose of the Guard and the blood magic that binds the twelve Stones of Power to the Empath line. As the cost of loving an Empath is laid bare, so too are the cruelties that will one day turn obedience into resentment, and plant the first seeds of rebellion across Wonderland.