Skylark/Pacsirta, a woman doomed to become a spinster, is away for a week, which brings unexpected liberation and happiness to her parents who can no longer disregard the tragedy of their whole life.

In a world cleaved in two by a massive barrier of perpetual darkness, a young soldier uncovers a power that might finally unite her country. But as she struggles to hone her power, dangerous forces plot against her. Thugs, thieves, assassins and saints are at war now, and it will take more than magic to survive.