The veil has been peeled away and the true face of Verre has finally been revealed. The question is, what is one boy to do when the game has already begun and the players are playing for stakes higher than he can imagine? What can he do when he is merely one of the pieces?

Having discovered his origins and been absolved his so-called curse, Valerian is riding the east wind. Power, greater than anything he has ever known, courses through him and his status in the House of Cragsveil is higher than ever before. He is soon made privy to some of the clan's greatest secrets. This should be the crest of his wave but instead, it leaves him feeling more lost and ignorant than ever before.

Despite his power, Valerian remains a child, insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Resolving to push forward and prove his mettle, he sets his sights on the upcoming Zebre, the combat festival of the plains folk. In his mind, it will be the perfect platform to showcase his skills. However, this Zebre is different. Forces are stirring. Schemes long in the making are about to come to fruition. A storm is coming to Cragsveil and the Steelborn are at the centre of it. Valerian might want to push himself into the spotlight but he will have to be careful not to be swept away.