Santiago strives to help Rogan while he struggles to deal with the tragic loss that rocked his family, but all of her attempts seem to be failing. Now that they live in the large city of Daris she wonders how their tenuous relationship can survive without the love and support offered by their smaller community.

During this fraught time in their relationship Santi must also prepare for major events that test her leadership and integrity while dealing with a choice that could leave the entire ocean in conflict. Through it all Santi begins to suspect ulterior motives from those in power and a sense that her success is being sabotaged.