For fans of the Belladonna series and newcomers alike: Uncover the shocking truth behind Maelin's death through the eyes of a young Blimmery, long before his time as Nightshade Academy's beloved boarding school instructor.

"My name is Blimmery Owding, and I dug Maelin's grave."

To salvage his family's reputation, sixteen-year-old Blimmery joins the Empire's military boarding school. There, he meets Maelin, a principled orphan, and Taig, her insufferable childhood friend.

Their fates entangle post-graduation, when Blimmery faces a problem-Maelin's imminent demise. He teams up with Taig to save her, and the odd pair launches a mission that spirals into a night of total devastation.

Lost in the aftermath, Blimmery puts his life on the line to write a book. He titles it Maelin. And these are his words...