Thrown into exile on Kerith by a sorcerous act of war, the Vaelinars have used their own unique talents to gain power over the races native to this world, and to create magical Ways that remold Kerith forever. But now their war has followed them, ripping holes in the fabrics of both universes. The Vaelinars stand at a dangerous threshold as old and new betrayals threaten the destinies of the peoples of two worlds.

Against this background of betrayal and ever-shifting alliances, two star-crossed lovers--the half-breed Sevryn and the orphaned, goddess-touched Vaelinar, Rivergrace--must escape the fury of a desperate ruler. The Warrior Queen Lariel, having accidentally revealed to Sevryn the forbidden powers that gained her the throne, has begun a vicious manhunt to destroy him. Fleeing her wrath, Sevryn and Rivergrace find no safe haven as the world's magic begins to disintegrate around them and the old Gods wake.

In the midst of this chaos, Sevryn is charged with finding the King of Assassins--a quest that may consume him. And only Rivergrace has any hope of discovering the means to save both Sevryn and the world she loves.