In a land of subtle magics, a woman of peace must face the violence within her, and a man of war must learn that weapons will not give him the victory he desires. Years ago, the Kel Nira gave up her name and all attachments to devote herself to her people. As Chief of the Healers' Order, she has grounded her life in service, peace, and compassion. But now war has come to her country, and everything is changing. When the invading army's Lord Corvalen offers a treaty, it falls to the Kel Nira to decide whether her people will accept it or continue to fight. Yet even as she struggles to make the right choice, her own long-suppressed violent instincts are resurfacing, challenging everything she has believed about herself and her place in the world. Nor is there peace for Corvalen, who finds himself falling in love with the Kel Nira and seduced by the subtle magics of the land she serves-the land he is sworn to conquer for his king.