In an unknown future, the world has been shaped by the ravages of war and humanity is on the brink of self-destruction. In this dark century, the survivors vow to end the conflicts between them. But this peace comes at a price. The Lord of each nation must fight other Lords. For these battles to take place, special people from a noble lineage known as "Insignia'er" must be present. In this new world order of 11 different regions, the elite 12th Region, where different nations live together and have few ties to the other regions, is left out of this system.
As 16-year-old April struggles to survive premature aging, she lives within the safe confines of the elite and knows little about the other regions. Just before her brush with death, April learns that she is actually descended from a noble Insignia'er. Lord Kolbein of the North is determined to save April's life and to take her to the dangerous icy mountains because he needs her. April will have to make the right decisions in Lord Kolbein's battles as she tries to survive this difficult journey.