Kyra is the youngest Markswoman in the Order of Kali, her world defined by a strict code of conduct. The Orders are the gifted elite, armed with telepathic blades and sworn to protect the people of Asiana. But to be an Markswoman means to let go of your past completely, and Kyra struggles with her desire to avenge her dead family, a desire that threatens to consume her.

When her beloved teacher dies in mysterious circumstances, and the Order is taken over by a dangerous new leader, Kyra is forced to flee for her life. Using one of the strange Transport Hubs that are remnants of a long-lost civilization, she ends up in the desert with the Order of Khur, the only Order composed of men. There, she embarks on a tentative friendship with Rustan, a young Marksman who has become disillusioned with his place in the Order.

Kyra is certain that the new leader of Kali--who also happens to be Mistress of Mental Arts, and well-versed in reading Kyra's emotions--murdered her teacher in order to assume control of the Order and launch a deadly war. But how is she going to prove it? And--more to the point--how is she going to survive a confrontation with the most accomplished and deadly Markswoman in Asiana?