"Stay hidden to stay alive." Terhese has escaped the Academy and is on the run. She is taken in by a ragtag group of Ràej supporters who fight side-by-side with her against Officials and strive to get her to the safe house unharmed. Captains of the underground Ràej group take charge of training and delegating the efforts to prepare for the rebellion. Jensen helps Terhese learn her powers and teaches her more about their Ràej heritage. A mysterious person visits the Ràej safe house, acknowledging the real Queen. Just a few days later, the Ràej strikes out to destroy the First Pebble in the Northern Plains. The war has begun. Will Terhese be able to control her powers, earn the respect of the Blood of the Ràej and accept her responsibilities as a leader?