The kingdom of Rellas is safe–but for how long? Having averted a fateful attack on the capital, Maggie must now keep its people safe from an even deadlier struggle for the crown. Unfortunately, her allies keep getting in her way: Everard, who is ever the more insistent on making Maggie his duchess; the knight Arvel, who is determined to uncover her secrets; and a mysterious religious sect that continues to pester her for unknown reasons. If that’s not enough, the plot is no longer as Maggie remembers. House Demarr has been summoned for the Culling: a massive monster extermination–now happening a year ahead of schedule, with thrice as many nests. The original Culling had been deadly enough to massacre multiple armies, and her newfound family will be facing them alone. Maggie has read this series cover to cover, but the future is new and different. Her opponent is smart and deadly, and fate seems to want him to win. Unfortunately for fate, Maggie’s determined to rewrite this ending—no matter how many times it may kill her in the process.