Synjan and Daeson meet by chance in the back alley of the Queen. Their short discussion reveals that they have been purposefully kept apart but to what end, neither of them know. Daeson spends the day at the Queen seeking information about Synjan while she infiltrates the Authority base at its most chaotic--minutes after a terrorist attack. They both make shocking discoveries that lead to the death of friends and Daeson has to reveal his Healer ability in order to save a stranger.

Once Hawke turns thirteen, he is considered mature enough to return to his home world on the proviso that he keeps the secret of other worlds. His sponsor, Cayden, acts as his guide and travelling companion and Hawke discovers that going back home isn't what he expected. As his fourteenth birthday looms, Hawke is under increasing pressure to make a decision that will impact the rest of his life. He finds a way to exact revenge on those who've made his life difficult at Willets Academy, makes a connection with one of Cayden's contacts and reaches out to Ellis.

When the Hunter arrives to join the chase, he finds his prey has already been captured but he learns something about the imprisoned Wanderer nobody expected. On return from his mission he takes the time to revisit the woman who's haunted him for years... and realises he has a lot to say to her.