In the world of Endar, power is granted through an ancient ritual known as the Dance of the Dead Gods. Ryalneur, son of Emperor Malric Draken, has performed the Dance and gained the ability to control time. But with this power comes haunting visions of a forgotten civilization destroyed by the very gifts it sought to wield. As Ryalneur uncovers the dark truth behind the Dance, he realizes that these powers may bring about the awakening of the gods—beings whose return could mean the end of everything. Faced with political intrigue, rival noble houses, and secretive churches guarding their own agendas, Ryalneur must decide whether to embrace his power or find a way to stop the gods from rising again.  In a world where mortals play with the power of gods, the cost of ambition could be total destruction.