Clementine Ashbluff has never lived up to expectations. As the second princess of Moonflower Valley, she much prefers to train with her enchanted daggers than take useless classes that would be an offensive waste of her time. She’s also expected to stay out of the Black Forest, home of the bloodthirsty shapeshifters that killed her father and oldest sister—but she doesn’t make a habit of listening.

Flynne Bloomfield practically lives in the Black Forest. She was taught by her parents, the rulers of Starlight Glade, that it’s a powerful force to be respected but never feared. The only place she’s meant to never associate with is Moonflower Valley, the dangerous kingdom that completely destroyed East Ridge seven years ago. But when Flynne saves the life of their princess, a forbidden friendship forms, and they vow to keep it secret.

Citrine Ashbluff has been her family’s peacekeeper for as long as she can remember, and her older sisters have been fighting for even longer. The one thing she truly fears is watching her family fall apart—so when war breaks out with the shapeshifters and Clementine insists it’s up to her to protect her secret friend, Citrine follows her into the Black Forest.

Willow Ashbluff would do anything for the good of her kingdom. She’s been studying and training to become a good queen since she was eleven years old, following the tragic murders of her older sister and her father, the king. When Starlight Glade declares war on Moonflower Valley a month before her coronation, she knows the regent will do what he must to maintain the Valley’s safety. But then her sisters disappear into the Black Forest with plans to tip the odds in the shapeshifters’ favor, and Willow is caught up in the chaos. But she’ll do anything for the good of her kingdom—even if it means turning her back on her own sister.

Along the way, mysteries from Moonflower Valley’s past emerge, threatening the truth their lives have been built around. When they realize the shapeshifters may not have been behind the royal deaths after all, their mission shifts, and their burden grows heavier. Can they save the remaining shapeshifter kingdoms from Oleander's wrath? And will they be able to uncover the secret of Moonflower Valley—or will they lose their lives trying?