Monsters are coming. Allies are turning. But Esme has evolved.

Traveling for work is brutal, especially when your job is hunting demons. Fortunately, Esme's magic is now limitless. Unfortunately, Owen has his own problems. While he rules from the road, paranormals within the Order grow restless. Jinn dabble in civilian politics. Fairies demand an impossible return to their home world. Rebel vampires claim the Capiti healers are slaves. Age-old tensions rise, and civil war is looming.

One thing might unite the Order ? telling them how close they truly are to losing the war and what that will mean for the alt-worlds. But should Owen break eighty generations of secrecy? If the paranormals rally, Esme's power will give them a shot at survival. And, if they find the malevolenci's weakness, they could defeat the demons once and for all. How much hope dare they have?

With old friends, the queen mother, and unexpected allies joining the fight, Esme and Owen search for answers in ancient texts, dark caves, and blood memories... But some things are meant to stay buried. Uncovering the truth about malevolenci might win the war, but will it tear apart everything the Order believes?