Ascard power can strengthen, heal, and create. It also has great potential to destroy. Indigo's country restricts the use of ascard, so she channels her ability into the healing arts to avoid drawing attention. An orphan from a disgraced family, she struggles to find her place in society. Then a mysterious stranger from a neighboring country asks for her help escaping his prison so he can rejoin the fight to overthrow his emperor. His devotion to his cause and the passion behind his cool arrogance stir something in her. Does she dare use her power in forbidden ways to help him and risk being put to death as a traitor like her father?