Nightmares and humans collide in the second book of the thrilling Nightstrider dark fantasy series, as allyships are formed and bonds are strengthened while a bloody battle looms on the horizon. Three weeks have passed since Wren’s vengeful path collided with those of Prince Caine, Queen Ila, and fellow nightmare Alaric. Three weeks since she nearly struck her creator down with the arcane magic now threatening to burn her from the inside out. Stalked by spectral half-remembered dreams and haunted by the impossible choices they were forced to make, the unlikely allies seek refuge in Marrowrun, the last free city in the dream realm and supposedly home to an exiled weaver who can teach Wren to wield her newfound power.    When they are ambushed and brought before to the ruler of the city they expect the worst, but instead the baron proposes a bargain: protection from Warwick and the leagues of mercenaries at his disposal in exchange for Warwick’s head. Despite their hesitation, Wren and the others accept and prepare to battle the foul king from the lavish halls of the Pale Citadel. Their bonds deepen as they grow stronger in relative safety—until the first ritualistic slaying stains the ivory halls of the citadel.    All the while a fathomless voice from beyond the fabric of reality thrums through Wren, potent as her magic and just as terrifying. It calls her not Wren nor even Nightstrider, but Vessel.