She's survived a terrible fate and discovered why she's perpetually followed by ghosts. The worst is behind her now. Right? Mimi simply wants to enjoy her newfound circle of friends—and being in love—but even that is fraught with drama. She's banned from being with him and they're struggling to resist their urges. Surely stealing a moment with Drew couldn't be that bad. But there's something dark at the academy, and it's targeting Mimi. Day by day, an army of shades grows in strength and numbers. When the abilities of her friends falter, Mimi must ask herself if she's the cause. Is this darkness destroying the people she loves? When two of their number are taken from them, the group descends into desperation. The mysterious enemies who want their powers are closing in, ready to take advantage of any weaknesses in the circle, and the Academy's gifted ones don't know who to trust. In the face of devastating betrayals and fractures, how can their circle ever be whole again? And can Mimi fight the rising darkness before it gains total control?