After surviving the blood priests, Carth heads south with a renewed focus, determined to learn more about the Hjan before they gain too much strength and violate the accords. They reach Asador as one of her crew suffers from a mysterious illness. Finding answers leads her deeper into an underworld she knew existed but had not expected to find so easily. Now she needs to help not only her friend but the many others within Asador who have been used. Carth discovers there are unexpected ways to counter her magic, and she must first save herself before she can help anyone else.