During Heloise's crowning ceremony, Galorn the golden dragon carries off Ilyana, believing the fearless captain is the new ruler. After poison leaves him vulnerable, Ilyana discovers the palace intends to destroy them both. Their uneasy alliance becomes something deeper as Heloise and Ilyana's father accuse her of betrayal. Uncovering proof that humans seized dragon territory and buried the truth, Ilyana joins Galorn in challenging the throne.