Alesh and his friends have evaded the Broken and his warriors, fleeing into tunnels hidden deep in the earth. They travel to Peralest, a city where they hope to find help, to find sanctuary. But when night falls and the shadows caper, hopes are snuffed out as easily as a candle flame. Betrayed and hunted, Alesh and his companions must learn how to use the magic the gods have blessed them with if they’re to have any chance of survival.  But not all magic is good, and not all blessings are kind. Kale Leandrian hides away in his castle chambers, disguising himself so others might not see the monster he has become. But no disguise can conceal the unnatural hunger or thirst for violence growing inside him. A hunger that won’t be stayed. A thirst that must be sated.  In Valeria, Tesharna’s soldiers comb the streets for any who might threaten her secret desires. She also wears a mask, one of confidence and loyalty to Amedan. But beneath that mask, darkness seethes, a darkness even she does not fully comprehend, for the greatest of disguises hide the truth even from those who wear them. Night comes. The Darkness rises, and in its rising no mortal will be safe. In its rising even gods will die.