Aurelie was trying to help usher in a new world in her work with Everard. Instead, her invention only brought ruin: Everard no longer needs inventions to admit demons into Wisteria. Now, he can tear open the veil whenever he chooses. 
 
When Des sacrificed his soul to save Aurelie, he believed it would close the door Everard opened. Instead, Everard kept part of his soul in hand, using it to control the demons he unleashes—and to build an army. And Des is no longer capable of feeling anything. No fear, no rage, no grief. 
 
Everard’s plan is to strike at the king, wipe out the royal family, and reclaim his stolen throne. Aurelie, forced to join the Iron Guard to atone for her mistakes, is swept into the only solution they have left: kill Everard before he destroys everything. 
 
But if Everard dies, Des will die along with him. 
 
And that’s a fate Aurelie refuses to accept.