Book excerpt: Hank travels in search of Cain, who proceeds with the Incarnate research that Elaine left unfinished. Schaal, held captive by Cain, learns about her power and must choose whether to sacrifice herself for the future of the Incarnates. Meanwhile, Claude searches for his own way to protect the nation and its people as the Northern Union of Patria prepares for war. Each of their paths comes winding back together as the story heads for its grand finale...