Toran joined the five realms and tied their destinies to the survival of his secret heirs. But the king is now dead and his enemies gather. Reann, a serving girl and self-appointed librarian of Toran's estate, has a chance to unravel the greatest mystery in the realm. On the other side of the kingdom, Terith and the other dragon riders fight to stop the invasion that would mean the fall of the empire. In this cross-country dragon race, Terith faces a black-hearted traitor with even darker purposes, to win the kingdom and the heart of the woman he loves. One rider will fall; one fate will rise.