When Tina Ann and Ben disappear without a trace in Aberell City, Tyla is reluctant to leave without her friends, but she has no choice. She has a toddler at home and responsibilities at Elantoth Fortress. Once home, Tyla finds herself drawn into new troubles. An Outcast and a gem master, each searching for the defeated queen's gems, fall victim to dark powers under mysterious circumstances. As Tyla and Gem Master Ertz try to make sense of these events, they discover much to their dismay that these seemingly unrelated incidents tie in with Ben and Tina Ann's disappearance. Getting their friends back safely is their first concern, but their world faces a threat that could tear it apart, and it may already be too late to stop it.