In a world bound by power and submission, a single sprig can crack stone.

Bound to serve ten years in the fortress of Rockspire Hold, Nova Stormont wants to keep her head down and survive. She wants nothing to do with the political games that rule Loxosceles, but when she sees the mighty exploit the powerless, obedience feels like betrayal.

As cracks spread through the regime, Nova’s defiance takes root, along with her resolve to challenge the world that claims to own her. The deeper she becomes entwined in Loxosceles’ web of control, the harder it is to tell friend from foe or freedom from another kind of cage. To change her fate—and ignite something greater—she’ll have to risk everything she’s become.