Prologue

Aelin Ashryver Galathynius has finally been beaten.

Captured by the dark queen Maeve, she knows she must escape. But how can she? No one has ever managed it. But she has to try, for her kingdom, her court, her mate and her love. She has to try. But the only way out is to risk becoming her.

And that is a risk that she might not be willing to take.

As her everlasting fire flickers in the darkness, Morath's shadow grows and Maeve's grip tightens, Aelin knows she must make her choice. She's out of time.

So she must decide what is worth living for...

And what is worth dying for.

Spoiler alert: do not read unless you have finished empire of storms if you don't want spoilers