In a world twisted by shadows and forgotten magic, David Wolfe, a soldier turned bard, carries a burden no man should bear: the fate of every world that ever was. Named the Bard of Memory and Dawn, he alone can close the ancient Gate that the Nine seek to tear open, unleashing the Low Court of nightmares to consume all life.Haunted by nightmares come to life, David seeks aid to combat the forces that would destroy his world and himself. Red-caps, changelings, and assassins, and others stalk his every step. His goal was to close the Gate,But the Gate is guarded by more than monsters.It's guarded by Cat, a powerful witch of the shadow. Chained by duty, tormented by love, and fated to betray him. Together, they walk a threadbare path of passion and sacrifice, deception and devotion, where every choice bleeds and every truth cuts deeper than the last.As dreams and timelines collide, David must face an army of his own echoes, the deathless Hunt, and the woman who may yet be his salvation... or his undoing. For even if he survives the Gate, there is no spell that mends a broken heart-or a shattered future.And some stories, no matter how full of love, are written in salt, shadow, and blood.