Stan Kendal thought becoming an Ophidian would be the first step towards redeeming himself. He'd failed Tristan, sensing it was too late to be his future king's strong arm. He'd failed Gregori, his out of control actions drivng a wedge between him and his childhood friend. Now his new friend, Randy Aikman, extracts a promise that Stan's ill equipped to handle. But he's determined not to fail...Stan Kendal thought becoming an Ophidian would be the first step towards redeeming himself. He'd failed Tristan, sensing it was too late to be his future king's strong arm. He'd failed Gregori, his out of control actions drivng a wedge between him and his childhood friend. Now his new friend, Randy Aikman, extracts a promise that Stan's ill equipped to handle. But he's determined not to fail, because if he does the price isn't his ego or pride—it's the life of a child.