This is the story of Emery Tarasovna, a tidemaker at the little palace, as she tries to survive the war. This story takes place a year or two before the first book in the Shadow and Bone Trilogy. The art for the Darkling on the cover is posted on Pinterest by Aryane. ~~ "Miss.Tarsovna the Darkling requests your presence immediately. Follow us," Ivan informs her. "Please," Fedyor adds. Emery almost scoffs, the Darkling doesn't request anything he commands. ~~ "Come in," a deep voice calls. Butterflies form in her stomach as the doors open to reveal the Darkling hunched over a pile of papers and maps.