Nightmoth maiden Vera is adopted by Queen Celeste, but becomes a thorn in the side of Rosalind and Great Elder Maudric. Guard Kael protects her all the way, watching her make dead branches sprout again. Until she is put on the pyre, and her fresh blood awakens the Tree of Life, everyone knows—she is the long-lost princess. She uncovers the traitor's crimes, crushes the coup, purifies the sacred tree, and finally ascends the throne.