To find the gods, Ayla may have to sacrifice her heart. Generations ago, the last of the true mages gave up their magic in exchange for protection from the gods. Now, the veil that isolates their lands is failing, and no one knows why. When mysterious raiders creep across the borders, attacking the most vulnerable clan of nomads, Ayla, daughter of the Nahl clan leader, does what any responsible mage-in-training would do. She petitions the gods for help. When she finally receives a response, she realizes the elders won't believe her. Instead, they want to marry her off to the spoiled heir of another clan to secure an alliance. Determined not to become a pawn in her father's political games, Ayla concocts a new plan. But is she prepared to leave her dreams behind and confront a forgotten foe in order to secure the future she wants?