Unlike other people in the galaxy, the Shotet share the planet of Thuvhe with the Thuvhians. The latter are recognized as the rightful rulers of the planet, which makes the Shotet essentially homeless and without political rights. Their leader, Ryzek, seeks to change that by conquering the rest of Thuvhe and bending the planet to his will. His sister, Cyra, possesses the gift to inflict pain on people, and her brother ruthlessly exploits this ability to his own ends. Revulsed at her actions, Cyra nonetheless has no other options... until her brother arranges for the kidnapping of the Thuvhe's oracle, Eijeh, and the killing of his family.
Akos is Eijeh's younger brother, and he was also taken by Shotet soldiers, but not before he killed one and earned his first mark on his arm. While Ryzek sought to acquire the powers of the oracle and prevent his foretold death, he assigns Akos to his sister Cyra. Akos' gift is to nullify pain, and for once Cyra is able to sleep peacefully. Akos, for his part, seeks to free his brother and escape with him back across the Divide to his people.
As time passes, and no opportunity to flee presents itself, Akos become more and more drawn into Shotet society. Cyra, for her part, is now energized and begins to question her brother's actions. When she inadvertently makes contact with a group of exiled Shotet bent on overthrowing her evil brother, Cyra and Akos must make a decision. Are they willing to risk everything to end Ryzek's realm and free Eijeh, even if it could cost them their lives?
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