Aster, the former Azem, has continued to travel, helping the people of Etheirys as she used to. Then she meets her counterpart - the current Azem, Constantine - and he's nothing like she was. They struggle to work together in a world that is increasingly dangerous, until Constantine finally realizes that the crackpot theories Aster's been spouting about Dynamis might have some truth to them...and the Convocation refuses to see the light. Constantine has to make difficult decisions about keeping his promises, trusting himself, and choosing love over duty, as the two star-crossed lovers decide what to do with the time that is left to them on their dying star.