After River's parents are executed, Petra and the Ns take up refuge on Prayer Mountain, in the shadow of the cross. But Petra's nemesis, Cardin Ritter, remains determined to find her and turn her over to Mandrake for interrogation.

Meanwhile, Quinton becomes increasingly obsessed with giving Bella a new identity to save her life. As he becomes more desperate, he realizes that only one person can help him protect Bella, but to reach out to her will endanger his own life, his world and everything he values.