Marquis Caspian Gideon threatens Nia Sloan with her father's life, forcing her to deliver a Spirit Letter—costing ten years of life—to Lord Regent Alaric Kael. Nia sacrifices ten years of her Mortal Lifespan to deliver the letter. Alaric Kael appears, returns with Nia, exposes Caspian Gideon's plot to seize power, and declares Nia the Lady Regent, placing her under his protection.
