Life has only become more complicated for Clara following the Prince’s shocking sickbed revelations. With the ranks of the Vespre Librarians sadly reduced, the survivors are more hard pressed than ever to keep the deadly Noswraiths at bay. As the Prince’s search for new recruits comes up cold, everyone is stretched to the limits of their strength. Then a face from Clara’s past shows up in the library: Danny, her childhood sweetheart. He’s determined to break her Obligation once and for all and bring her safely home. But the road he must travel to win Clara’s freedom is far more dangerous than he could ever anticipate. Can Clara save Danny from the consequences of his own rash choices? Or will they both be lost in the darkness of the Nightmare Realm?