Cymin has agreed to become a spy, defeated a fiery curse, inadvertently derailed a train, and survived a bloody ambush in the Sacred Necropolis?all to escape conscription in a Storm Tower. Now, at last, he and his companions have reached the vibrant canal city of Yanyeo. From here they plan to sail to Saigrath, leaving Chyre and its Storm Towers behind. Ahead of him lies the promise of new magic, deepening friendships and an opportunity to share more than secrets with the Waethir, Laithondi. Cymin can hardly wait to depart.

Unfortunately, two of Cymin's companions lost their lives on the journey to Yanyeo. Their violent deaths have turned the people of Chyre against the expedition?and the Waeithir. Soon the entire undertaking is threatened. Now Cymin and the Waethir must throw their energy into challenging the bad press and winning the respect of Yanyeo's leaders. But just as they are winning over the people, Cymin's traveling companions begin to go missing.

But deep beneath the canal waters a curse has been released and an enemy from Cymin's past is on the move. Talented mages all across the city are quietly going missing while mutilated remains have washed ashore.

Then Cymin's friend, Xaon disappears.

Racing to find him, Cymin and Laithondi must plunge into the lair of a criminal syndicate and risk not only exposing their secrets but their very lives.