For ten years, seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan has survived the notorious death prison of Zalindov, serving as the prison healer amid unimaginable horrors.

When the infamous Rebel Queen is captured, barely clinging to life, Kiva is charged with keeping her alive for the dreaded Trial by Ordeal—a series of lethal elemental challenges of air, fire, water, and earth reserved for the most dangerous criminals.

A secret message from Kiva's family arrives: "Don't let her die. We are coming." Determined and desperate, Kiva makes a bold decision.

Knowing the sickly queen won't survive the trials, Kiva volunteers to face them in her place. If she succeeds, they will both be granted freedom. But no one has ever survived.

With a mysterious new inmate stirring her heart, an incurable plague sweeping through Zalindov, and whispers of rebellion in the air, Kiva realizes that her trials have only just begun.

Will she conquer the elements and win their freedom, or will the prison crush her last hope?