"Ahn is no one. Found as a child, she has no memory of her past, only a dark secret--magical powers that would mean her imprisonment if they were discovered. But when Ahn's secret is accidently exposed, she's sent to the Imperial Palace to await her fate. Altan's real name was once known throughout the Shi empire. When his family was murdered and his birthright hijacked, he lost everything. Now, with a new name and vengeance on his mind, he intends to gain it all back, even if it means entangling his very soul with dark and dangerous magic, from which he might never escape. When Altan encounters Ahn and her mysterious abilities, he sees in her a path to reclaiming the throne. Their tenuous alliance is on the verge of becoming something more, when the depth of Ahn's dark powers are awakened, and the two realize restoring the empire might come at a far deadlier price than they could have ever imagined." -- jacket.