A mysterious bird haunts Zakolor's dreams, but that is the least of his problems. Recently rescued from the Consortium, his best friend Kalbick's strange affliction left him twisted and ill. Then there was Jolsu-the bitter dragon living in Zakolor's head-who would do anything to torment him, like cursing Olivia to a slow and painful death. Now Zakolor is desperate to cure them both. But with the war escalating, juggling political machinations within the League of Kingdoms, deciphering unreliable visions of a bird, and struggling against Jolsu's overwhelming power, he is burdened by monstrous and all-consuming tasks. And with the goddess Cerevita making herself known-which should have been impossible with the Contract barring gods from Valecium-Zakolor must grapple with his identity as Nacusti, the bridge between divine and mortal, if he hopes to save his friends and survive the impending clash with the sinister Consortium.