Hope has a price. And they're willing to kill for it. Ten years after nuclear fire reshaped the world, the sun is gone, and the Long Winter has settled in-a season of relentless cold, disease, and desperation. In the midst of this ruined landscape, Dee Rosemont flees the wreckage of a research compound with Kylee, a nine-year-old girl whose mysterious abilities make her both miracle and weapon. Hunted by the cold-blooded architect of the compound's twisted experiments, Dee's only goal is to keep Kylee safe from those who would use her to rebuild-or destroy-the world. Ian Hammond has seen what the end of the world does to people. Hardened by years on the road, he wants nothing to do with fugitives or messiahs. But when he crosses paths with Dee and Kylee, something in him shifts. Together, they must navigate a broken landscape teeming with marauders, slavers, and corrupted warlords-all while being tracked by those who will stop at nothing to reclaim the girl. As secrets surface and enemies draw closer, the trio must confront not just the terrors of the wasteland-but the choices that made them who they are. Because Kylee's gift may not be enough to save them. And in a world that's already burned, salvation may come at a higher cost than anyone is willing to pay.