As one of the kingdom's warriors-in-training, Inez has spent more time practicing with her sword than honing her imagination. But tales are revered in the Kingdom of Sand, and so Inez has spent most of her life in the shadow of her best friend, the kingdom's storyteller.

Living in shadows has been fine for Inez, because who wants merciless light when they live in a sun-scorched desert? Yet her heart is pulling her toward their other friend, Markus, more and more, and Inez yearns to be seen.

If she wants a chance to stand by Markus's side, Inez will have to claim her own story.