The last ballad of hope has been heard again.

A song thought buried. A promise thought broken.

A few brave souls have dared to stand against evil.

A curse plaguing generations has finally shattered.

What of it?

The Dark One cannot be stopped.

After thousands of years in shadow, Skara Pendain has claimed the name as he would a crown. And with it he has gained the throne of Erador. The east has fallen. The realm of men now bends to his will… or breaks beneath it.

With Baelon Vos cast down, the Dragon Riders—once the last shield of the realm—are his to command. Their fire, their fury, an extension of his dominion. From horizon to horizon, Skara's rule is absolute.

All but one.

In the south, the Kedradi of Qalanqathrefuse to kneel. They do not hide. They do not yield. They are hunters. Drawing Skara's armies into a trap, they prepare for a clash that will decide the fate of Verda itself. Led by Kassanda Grey and Joran Pendain, the survivors of Skara's wrath place their faith in the few Riders who still remember their oaths… in those who might yet bring about a Time of Dragons.

It is only a vision.

Seen by ten thousand eyes. Paid for with ten thousand lives.

A future that could be—not one that will be.

Because the board is breaking.

While Baelon Vos searches in the dark for a relic that could turn the tide of war, and new heroes draw their line in the hot sands of Kanofell, something far older has awakened.

Something no one can command, not even Daijen Saeth.

The Dragon Lord. The first of his kind.

Malliath.

Freed from the Shadow Realm, the ancient black dragon breathes the air of Verda once more. He remembers it all.

The betrayal.

The chains.

His heart now beats to the ancient song of vengeance.

Skara must turn from conquest to survival. His throne can wait. His war cannot. For what comes next is not a battle for kingdoms… but a reckoning.

A duel of man and beast.

Rider against dragon.

And this time, there will be no victor.

Only Death—at last stepping onto the board, to claim them all.