For centuries, an ancient prophecy has remained hidden beyond the veil between worlds. But when the mysterious bell rings again, the balance between Earth and the hidden kingdoms begins to shift. Seventeen-year-old Ava has no idea that she is the Chosen One-a girl born to fulfill a prophecy that threatens powerful forces in the unseen world. In the kingdom of Nhari, the young Serpent King, Aethon, is ordered to cross into the human world and find her. His mission is simple: find the Chosen One and protect her. But meeting Ava changes everything. As their connection grows, Ava begins to suspect that Aethon is hiding something far beyond an ordinary secret. Meanwhile, in Nhari, Lyraea's grief and anger lead her toward the dangerous ruler of the Crocodile Kingdom, Zhragans, who sees Ava as a threat that must be eliminated. Now Aethon must protect the girl he was sent to find while facing enemies who will stop at nothing to destroy her. But the prophecy holds one final secret: The Serpent King will not become the Chosen One's destroyer. He will become the person she trusts most. And when the Bell Beyond the Veil rings for the final time, Ava will discover that her destiny is far greater-and far more dangerous-than she ever imagined.