Cinder and her allies are joined in the plot to overthrow Queen Levana by the queen's stepdaughter, Winter, who has long been defying her evil stepmother's wishes by harboring feelings for her personal guard whom she is forbidden from marrying.

"When the true intentions of the Erlking are revealed, which could forever alter the mortal realm, Serilda and Gild must foil the Erlking's evil agenda by solving the mystery of Gild's forgotten name in order to protect their unborn child"-- Serilda finds herself ensnared in a deadly game of make-believe with the Erlking, who is determined to propel her deeper into the castle's lies. She is determined to work with Gild to help him solve the mystery...