Powerful forces threaten the stability of both the West and the entire world. The Eldemari's ambition, a descendant vanquisher: everyone is out for Ian's head. The odds are long, even with Euryphel's Regret and End affinities shifting the rhythm of war. Ian must plumb the depths of a new area of magic, one he swore off years ago: the forbidden study of the soul—necromancy. But first, he needs to find a teacher.