The Obscura Saga continues in this heart-stopping, poignant sequel to The Honorable Con.

In the streets of Ikredel, Ailyanna and Benjie search for his nephew as affection kindles. All the while they risk entangling themselves in the same threads of organized crime Benjie spent a lifetime avoiding. But when the way to save his only family might be to betray the code he's lived by, what will he choose? And will Ailyanna burn everything down rather than let love make her vulnerable?

As a fake ambassador, Kresta is in Ikredel to find the lost Lamorian princess, the same criminal she spent years chasing. If she succeeds, she will turn Ailyanna over to her worst nightmare. If she fails, an assassin's blade waits for her loved ones.

Deep in the heart of the Lamorian empire, a new mother steps back into a city she doesn't recognize. Will she keep her head down, or try to fight the tide of imperialism and risk her family being swept away?

Can anyone escape the shadow of war on their own?

Fate sets its board, and luck casts the die. Which bonds are strong enough to survive?