As the Rochegudan Nemoris are preparing their grown children to assume leadership roles in the Valley, attack comes unprovoked and catastrophic, and Laurent’s entire family must flee for their lives. This time, they will have no assistance from their trade partners, nor redress from Arles. This time, not even their alliance with Torino can help them. Only one option remains: Laurent must turn to Henri. Laurent banished Henri twenty years ago. When it seemed that no one had ever heard from Henri again, Laurent had thought his brother was dead. Now, knowing otherwise, and given their history, he has no reason to believe Henri will ever wish to see him again. No angel guardian can say what will happen when their paths meet, but one thing is certain: if Clarice has any hope for her elder brothers’ mortal reconciliation, it will not come to pass unless she provides the way.