Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky, only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues behind. During her quest, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander change the game once again. 

Cassia has always trusted the Society. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he's the one…until she sees Ky Markham's face before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, but when Cassia begins to doubt them, she's faced with an impossible choice: between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.