Isla Crown has just broken the five-century curse that has forced the six realms of Lightlark to live in fear and isolation. The inhabitants of each realm can wield specific magical abilities, with the curse affecting each of the different groups (Sunlings, Moonlings, Starlings, Skylings, Wildlings, and Nightshades) differently. At the end of the first book, Isla, the ruler of the Wildlings, has just inherited the Nightshade and Starling powers as well.

The story picks up right after the conclusion of Lightlark, with Isla about to step into the Place of Mirrors. Just as she pushes the doors open, she feels an invisible force knocking her back, refusing her entry. As she hits the ground, Isla has a gruesome vision of a battlefield covered in bodies, with darkness spreading all over it and Grim’s voice asking her to come back to him.

After Isla has returned to her room to rest, she and Oro discuss what just happened. Isla is surprised that the Place of Mirrors rejected her despite her owning the key to unlock it. Oro suggests that she may not yet be ready, as she has not mastered all her magical abilities, and he offers to help her train.