After escaping from Waruu, Koen has learned just what he is up against and that Waruu will stop at nothing to destroy Koen and take power for himself. He confronts Linda about the dark secret from their past, and she has no excuses. But abandoned again by Jimmy, Koen has no one else to turn to for support in the dark days ahead. Waruu and Slade are close to refining the weapon they need to remove Koen from their path forever, but Waruu is under serious pressure from the Minister and they may soon find that their access to the powers of government is restricted. Nerida, Alinta and Latani are caught and arrested by the Containment Authority but Nerida now has an ally who is prepared to put everything on the line to help them escape again. Charlotte has been kidnapped by Jarli, who takes her to the land of the Bindawu to consult about what should be done with her child when is born; Charlotte now knows for certain it is a Hairy, and as far as the Bindawu are concerned, its fate – and hers – are theirs to decide.