Although her parents have always tried to shield her from their brutality, Diem's world changes forever when her mother goes missing, leading her to uncover a dangerous secret that links her family to the dreaded Descended in ways she never imagined.The journey to unravel the web of mysteries Diem's mother left behind is long and treacherous, and it soon leads her into the dark domain of those who rule her world: the Descended's royal palace itself.With the dying king's handsome, enigmatic heirwatching her every move, and a ruthless rebel alliance urging her to join the looming civil war, Diem must reevaluate everything she thought she knew to save her loved ones - and finally discover the truth about her world.