he story of assassin Selena Sardothien is a model of militant defiance and unyielding spirit. Selena belongs to a network of ruthless hired killers, but she is learning to distinguish between true nobility and unprincipled behaviour in herself and others. Her treacherous mentor, Arobin Gemel, sends Selena to the heart of pirate territory on an important mission. The fame of the fearless assassin should work in her favour, especially since she is accompanied by the equally experienced killer and, more recently, friend, Sam Cortland. However, new circumstances surrounding the mission are revealed, prompting Selena to take unexpected actions. But where is the line between loyalty to the Assassin's Guild and her own path? Selena knows firsthand that Arobin Gemel punishes dissent mercilessly. All she has in her arsenal is a blade, innate intelligence, and a deadly talent for risk-taking. But that's enough to try to break free from the yoke of dependence if Selena really wants to feel in control of her own life.