A magical dragonfly. A science-focused society. Only one can bring the land and her people from the brink of death. Sixteen-year-old Governor's daughter Etoiny longs to throw off her upper-class responsibilities and become the first female scientist of Taachat. When she accidentally wounds a thought-extinct dragonfly, she must race to find a bygone cure in order to present it to the Science Society for admission. While she researches remedies for the dragonfly, she and the creature form a bond that can't be explained by science. The dragonfly also revives dying blooms all Taachat's citizens need to stay alive for the next three-year cycle. Her dead mother's missing journal could offer insight if only Etoiny could find it. She soon realizes two powerful people are on the hunt for the dragonfly and its healing ability. Just as Etoiny finds a way to save her dragonfly, she discovers horrors her father has allowed in the underbelly of Taachat and it makes her question who she wants to be. Etoiny must decide whether to claim her place as a renowned scientist by offering the creature for experimentation or sacrifice her dream, team up with her animal friend, and fulfill their magical destiny.