Of the six great stars orbiting the planet Adroban, Mito's vile purple starlight is the most feared and hated, especially in times of war and bloodshed. The black sands of Jiovar turn red from the crimson tide of war, and with Mito's eclipse looming near at hand, the kingdom searches for a way to protect themselves from the great star's blight. By Prince Kaeto's command and the guidance of the court stargazer, Sora, a jah annan warrior slave, must undergo a harrowing rite to bind herself to the dark star's power, eliminating Mito's threat and tethering herself to the prince as the sword of Jiovar, a weapon to strike down the kingdom's enemies. Fate, however, has other plans. A partial failure of the rite leaves Sora lost in unfamiliar lands with unwanted powers, helpless to aid her kingdom or the prince until she can find her way back.