Peyne Erlich’s objective from the ruler is to learn everything he may about the rival kingdom’s marvelous printer ink mage warriors. What he finds is certainly Zayda Yond.

Ever since Zayda was sold into servitude simply by her economically destitute father, her masters have taught her a punishing lesson: erase the past. Collared with an unmovable music group of exotic metal, she faces a future of slavery. She’s also become an printer ink mage, marked using a tattoo that allows her to see the globe as no one else can—a powerful honor, about Warrior Primary however one out of her control. Now, Zayda dreams just of escape.

She gets her chance when a scuttled sea passage leaves her within a longboat, and together with another lone survivor, Peyne, a foreign envoy—spoiled, noble, a libertine, and a gambler. He’s also an experienced fighter. So when they make it to land, in crazy and unfamiliar jungle territory, he’s the only person Zayda can trust.

Then come rumors of the lost desert city said to contain the key to removing Zayda’s collar. Shadowed by foes who wish to use her capacity to earn their own war, Zayda must battle for her independence—whatever the cost. And Peyne will do anything to help her.