Sooyi and Niroo rest within the grand walls of Dara City, but political forces threaten to tear its society apart. Princess Sibian seeks to reform the government, but a decadent high priest wishes to transform the city into an oppressive theocracy that worships the Water King. To Niroo's shock, Sooyi takes the side of the priesthood. She knows her husband will destroy Dara City for defying him. But, hidden away in Sooyi's family history lies the secret of all the Gods, their technology and the means to destroy them once and for all.