The story is primarily told in third person by three point of views: Nikolai Lantsov and Zoya Nazyalensky from the original trilogy in Ravka, and Nina Zenik from Six of Crows in Ketterdam.

King of Ravka Nikolai Lantsov attempts to rebuild his country after the Ravkan Civil War and get it in order to fend off threats from neighboring nations Shu Han and Fjerda while dealing with the demons the Darkling infested him with.

Sankta Elisaveta helps Nikolai prepare for a dangerous ritual to rid himself of the monster, while Sankt Juris works with Zoya to hone her Grisha powers.

Shortly after burying her lover, Matthias, Nina meets Hanne, a Grisha living in secret in Fjerda.

However, Princess Ehri is revealed to actually be a member of the Shu Han secret guard and fatally stabs Isaak and then herself, planning to frame Fjerda for the murders.