18-year-old Lillian is dying. But she is not going down without a fight. Sheltered by her father her whole life, Lillian's greatest wish has always been to join the rebel group he leads, to leave a mark on the world she is soon to leave. In the aftermath of a tragedy, Lillian decides to seek revenge by killing the King of Orios. Against the wishes of her lover, Eli, she joins the dangerous King's Guard Trials to get close to the King, where she soon learns death is the only alternative to success. While fighting her way through a deadly maze filled with dark magic, and scaling a treacherous mountain inhabited by mythical creatures, she discovers the greatest threat may really lie with her fellow participants, who won't hesitate to kill for a spot in the guard. Despite her determination to pursue the mission alone, Lillian finds close friendship with eternally cheerful Finn and Astrid, another rebel infiltrating the guard. She also fights a strange connection with her handsome, but mysterious, commander who appears adamant to save her life. But as whispers of the Valkyries searching for their long lost heir emerge, and dragons return to Orios, Lillian begins to question everything she thought she knew. No one around her appears to be who they say they are. And what are the rebels and Eli hiding from her? Join Lillian as she partakes in dangerous trials, confronts mythical creatures, discovers steadfast friends, and uncovers a lifetime of secrets.