Reeling from tragic events since embarking on their grand quest, the remaining members of Zakaiah's entourage manage to guide her to the Temple of the First Trial, but not without an ominous, violent welcome. Within the walls of Pasif'kah, Haydan is in aggressive pursuit of thwarting Zakaiah's ascension by hunting down those who would mystically aide them on the road from within the city, and with the help of the mysterious Queen of Qards.