Five quiet years have passed since the terrifying events of Inkdeath. Meggie, Mo, and the citizens of Ombra have built peaceful, happy lives, warmed by the comforting flames of Dustfinger, the Fire-Dancer. But the tranquility shatters when Dustfinger spots a familiar, troubling figure sneaking around the city gates. The evil Orpheus has returned. For five years, Orpheus has lived a miserable life, surviving only on his burning desire to destroy Dustfinger and everyone who ever crossed him. Now, he has discovered a sinister new way to strike back. Orpheus has found a dark artist capable of painting bewitched portraits that slowly drain the life and color out of their subjects, turning heroes to gray dust. As Dustfinger watches his absolute worst nightmares become reality, he must face a terrifying question. Do the written words still control Orpheus, or is the magic now entirely in the painted pictures? This gripping return to the Inkworld is a spellbinding tale of dark magic, bitter rivalries, and the desperate fight to save the people you love.