Piece by piece, Alto, Elva, and their allies are unraveling the secrets of the kannagi, the mysterious black sea, and their isolated island home -- but every new revelation only brings more questions. After confronting Lord Shiyan and his own painful childhood, Elva finally feels that he is ready to deepen his connection with Alto, and for the two of them to become lovers in truth. But Alto is coming face to face with painful truths of his own as the origins of his healing abilities and immunity to the black sea finally come to light.