In the peaceful and secluded Konota Valley, every 16-year-old must embark on a sacred journey to find their animal soul keeper. The life-long bond protects their soul from malicious demons that would devour it, leaving behind an empty husk. As the mostly ignored misfit, Shaya has always felt isolated within her own village, but she hopes finding her keeper will also help her find a purpose. Instead, her return with a bizarre and frightening beast only leaves her more confused. She soon learns her keeper is a drakon, a legendary creature from the northern mountains, but that knowledge does nothing to win her the acceptance she longs for. When drakon riders invade the valley, Shaya’s people begin to question her loyalty. The invaders might offer what she’s always wanted, but she must decide whether finally belonging is worth betraying the few people who still believe in her.
Kota Ryn wants only one thing: to return home. As the Drak Clan’s new chief, she has decided to lead her people back to where the threat of an enemy with powerful magic still awaits.But for Shaya Navi, something else waits in the North: answers. Since before her Crossing, she has felt the mountains calling, but she never understood why. Now she hopes that learning more about Tammae Lakki, her supposed past life, will bring her closer to understanding what she’s meant for in this one.Makai Farin made a promise: to follow Shaya to the ends of the earth. He intends to keep it, but—stalked by a phantom cougar with unknown intentions—he finds himself keeping secrets as well.Their destinies intertwined, the three brave the fury of the Northern mountains, working together to save the land from a tyrant and unravel the truth about their past lives.
