When Prince Beri Quintinar, the youngest son of Faerie's late High King, learns that his mother and sister have survived the public execution that claimed the rest of their family, he must embark on a daring rescue mission to save them from their enemies. Along with Katie, the girl he loves but is forbidden to touch, Beri returns to a war-torn Faerie teetering on the edge of destruction.

But fate takes a wicked turn when Beri finds himself captured by the treacherous Queen of the Seelie Court. As a political hostage in Queen Aynia's palace, Beri must navigate the dangerous schemes of Summer courtiers and survive the unpredictable whims of his captor.

Amidst the chaos, Beri stumbles upon a group of young rebels fighting to abolish slavery in the Summerlands. The rebellion offers him a choice: stand by his principles and assist the cause of freedom, or succumb to the dark allure of his magical abilities to become Queen Aynia's assassin. As sinister plots unfurl and danger lurks at every turn, Beri realizes his quest for family and redemption may demand unspeakable sacrifices.