On the eve of the winter solstice, Salome receives word of a family tragedy in the human world and an urgent request to return home. But after a failed attack on Winter, and the whereabouts of the Winter Court unknown, Nevin forbids her to go, declaring it too dangerous. However, Salome knows she needs to be with her family and can't sit by to wait for the inevitable. Gwenn has been a royal guard most of her life, and although she's not a fan of humans, she has to admit Salome's growing on her. So when Salome begs her to cover for her for a few days so she can be with her family, Gwenn can't refuse. Gwenn soon finds herself creating diversions to keep Nevin from discovering Salome's disappearance. Problem is the Council is growing suspicious of Salome's absence, and has started making threats about Nevin's removal as king. With her lie on the brink of discovery, Gwenn needs to find out what's taking her brother and Salome so long to return. When she discovers the portals are closed, and someone within the Council has betrayed Summer, Gwenn knows the kingdom's in jeopardy. But before she can confide in Nevin about helping Salome leave Faerie, Gwenn finds herself at the enemy's mercy, fighting for her life. When Salome arrives in the human world, she finds everything in chaos. Grisselle, the Winter Queen, has done the impossible and brought war to Salome's world. And Kadie is acting as her right hand. Monsters born of man's worst nightmares roam the streets-dark faeries and ghosts bring terror and destruction. And to her horror she discovers an old enemy is back from the dead, while a new one lurks in the shadows-watching her, hunting her-preparing to make its move. And this time they mean to finish what they started.
