In the world of Valanche, many believe the Sol Defenders are no more than myth, but Princess Kalista can feel their lingering spirits in her kingdom of Avalyn. Kalista is at odds with the peace around her as she stares her future in the face, a life married to Captain Luke Ramsey, the man her father has favored over her from the day she was born. Feeling cast aside, Kalista often lets her mind wander to a boy with emerald eyes who saved her life when she was a child, and the memory just won't fade. 

Evil Lord Mahan of the Krasiv Isles is after something, and Kalista is the key. When Mahan sends his top assassin, known far and wide as the Shadow, Raine recognizes the princess as the girl he saved long ago. He prays that Kalista never uncovers his true identity as he hides who he is to become her personal guard, and the two work together to uncover what Mahan is truly after. 

As the secret grows between them, Kalista fights between following her heart and her duty until secrets are revealed and Mahan's dark purposes are discovered. When Kalista discovers a prophecy from the Sol Defenders, she realizes that it’s up to her alone to access the Sol Defender’s power to step into her duty if she wants to save her people. Can Kalista ignore the voices of her past and find the strength she needs to save her kingdom and follow her heart… wherever it might lead?