A fierce storm strikes Modeerf, and Kara and her longtime friend Vinny seek shelter at a stable near the docks. Kara, riding her father's horse, Durand, leads them through the treacherous jungle trails as the storm rages. Her unmatched skills keep them alive as they narrowly escape death.When they reach Vinny's home, they find the village in ruins, with homes destroyed and Vinny's forge badly damaged. Kara is torn between staying to help Vinny and returning to her parents, while grappling with the unspoken tension between them.In this first book of Shattered Paths, Kara's strength and loyalty are tested, setting the stage for a journey of difficult choices and survival, and discovering unspoken tension between her and Vinny-one that has lingered since their childhood.