Slowly he pried his eyelids apart, anticipating the sight of his office after an unexpected power outage. But it had gone black outside, too. Like an actor in a stage play, the president found himself under a powerful spotlight. A sensation he was no longer alone froze him in place and the hushed sound of steady breaths confirmed his fear.

A mysterious stranger makes a striking entrance at the coming-of-age celebration of the Ferhawen heiress. Without warning, without even introducing himself, he captures everyone's attention by inviting young Elyzara to dance a waltz straight out of fairy tales.

There’s a monster in me.