Alina and Mal arrive at the port city of Weddle, where they hope to make a fresh start. Kaz, Jesper, and Inej return to Ketterdam and run afoul of the wealthy privateer who hired them to catch the Sun Summoner.

On board Sturmhond's ship Alina strikes a deal with the pirate, declaring her intention to destroy the Fold. While the drüskelle Matthias toils in prison Kirigan gathers his allies, and the Crows enlist a Heartrender to go after Pekka.

After a dangerous trip through the Fold, Alina and Mal learn that Sturmhond has been hiding a secret. While Jesper and Wylan sneak into Pekka's home, Kaz comes clean about his history with the man – and Inej looks to settle a score.

As Alina makes a new alliance with the Ravkan prince Nikolai Lantsov, one of Kirigan's close advisors defects with intel on Kirigan's new allies. Kaz and his team launch their attack on Pekka's empire.

After an attack on the palace Prince Nikolai goes into hiding, where Alina reaches out to try and sever her connection with Kirigan. Alina is reunited with Baghra and Genya, and Pekka makes his presence felt in prison.

With help from Baghra, Alina attempts to sever her connection to the Darkling – who continues to grow in power. Mal's search for the Firebird leads him to an unsettling discovery, and the Crows find themselves at the mercy of a hallucinogenic poison.

Mal and Alina struggle to come to grips with the impossible choice now in front of them, as the Ravkan army rallies to move against Kirigan and the Fold.

From Mal's great sacrifice Alina attempts to remake the world, putting her and her friends on a new path to rebuild Ravka – though the ultimate consequences of her choices are unknown.