In the third book of the Dikaió series, Mallory Aiworth finds herself trapped and alone in an Ex Natu prison, where she gives birth to her first-born son. Should she escape, she must also free her husband, if he is even still alive, and then face unknown and possibly worse dangers in the Ex Natu capital city.

While she fights for freedom and survival for both her and her babu, she finds herself caught in the midst of an Ex Natu civil war between Omaha's armies and the Ex Natu Global Alliance, meanwhile an ancient foe is rising in the East, bent on revenge.

The only thing Mallory knows for sure is that all the warring factions believe her son is the key to victory, and they will go to any length to possess him.

Her one hope is to return to Hoffen City and rally her people to her defense.