With the threat of the rebels' looming war, romance is the last thing on Tyonna's mind. But as she prepares to set off on a mission, the new member to join her crew leaves her breathless. Nevrik is the most imposing and intimidating Scelk she has ever seen. After so many years pining over a male she cannot have, she's stirred in the most unexpected fashion by Nevrik's sharp tongue, intense gaze, and irreverent ways. Nevrik has loved Tyonna from the moment he laid eyes on her. When she rejected him four years ago, and in spite of her valid reasons to do so, it crushed him. Ever since, he's been biding his time, lying in wait for the opportunity to claim his beautiful warrior queen. But in the most improbable turn of events, the rebels present him with a poisoned gift. Will Tyonna and Nevrik be forced to make the impossible choice between their love, their loyalty to the Vanguard, and their own moral obligations?