Thousands of years after humanity survived extinction, the world has been rebuilt by those strong enough to seize it. Ares is the Vanguard's greatest weapon. Zaira Iliad is the daughter of the Concord's most powerful family. Their marriage was supposed to unite two nations. Instead, it became another battlefield. As political unrest spreads, ancient secrets begin to surface, and a revolutionary movement threatens the foundations of society, both women are forced to confront a truth far more dangerous than war: the lives they have built were never truly their own. And when the world begins to unravel, choosing each other may cost them everything. "You will soon learn, Zaira," Ares said quietly. "That your lies... you will begin to choke on them." A breath apart now. "And I will be there," she finished, "to ensure it tightens." Zaira's expression did not break. "A strange way to speak to your wife," she replied coolly.