“I was Gillian Joseph, the empire's youngest "Warlord of the Shimmering Reach." To protect my family, I gave up ten years of glory and military achievements, willingly fading into a faked death. Then I woke up in a snowstorm. The burn of my mother's poison still seared my throat. The echo of my brother's laughter as he shattered my bones still rang in my ears. My adoptive sister, Amara, had stolen every victory I ever won. And my "family"was about to dump me outside the city walls to die like a stray dog. But now, I am back. I have returned to the very day I was supposed to disappear-to the turning point before my fate plunged into irreparable darkness. This time, I will not believe that sacrifice buys mercy, nor that blood ties awaken conscience. While they smugly revel in my stolen glory, I am kneeling before the empire's most powerful princess, clutching my brother's blood-stained uniform. While they think I am nothing but a helpless worm, I have already sharpened the blade that will sever their throats. My adoptive sister boasts of my wartime feats at lavish banquets. And I-the true warlord-am knocking on my own front door, in full view of the crowd. They think I have come to beg for forgiveness. They are wrong. This time, I return as an avenger. I will reclaim my name, my honor, and every debt they owe me in blood. My family wanted me dead. Too bad death refused me. So now-it is their turn to burn.”