There is a storm brewing in the Realm. It has been three months since Averie and the Rebellion took back the castle. Three months of rebuilding and prosperity, but all good things must come to an end. On the night of the Star Ball, Marcus makes his appearance on the steps of the castle. While Averie is ready to toss him into the dungeon to be forgotten, Marcus offers up the deal of a lifetime: spare his life and he will share three of his ultimate secrets, including the identity of the Shadow. Averie's mother always told her that if something seemed too good to be true, that's because it was. Though, when offered the answer to her ultimate question, what else can she do?