The Argent Queen has asked for The Hawks help in forging a new realm of death, with herself as the goddess at its heart. Unfortunately for her, they have seen through her lies, unfortunately for them she can't be harmed in her own realm. Their greatest hope lies in finding a way to invoke the ancient power of The First Contract, the law that all things living must pass The Black Gate. There is an alternative plan, but it is extremely dangerous. The future and the ancient past collide beside a jade tower beneath a lambent moon.