When the Grays devastate the home world of the feline Guardian race called the Pride, a single family survives, rescued by the Æthereal. Resembling large lions and reared in a patriarchal society, can they adapt to the ways of the humans and Æthereals? Will the Ursars accept the addition of large predatory felines in their peaceful valley? When a much changed Spyder returns from near death to reveal the secret of the Ancients, the stage is set for a confrontation with the Grays.