Growing up near Honnleath, one of Cullen's best friends is an Elven girl named Valaina. Shortly after he is accepted into training as a Templar, he finds out Valaina has developed Magical talents, and must go to the Circle. Years later, they are reunited in the Circle Tower. Both now grown, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways that are strictly forbidden. After the events of Broken Circle, they are separated again. Ten years later they're given one more chance, when Valaina is the sole survivor of the Conclave explosion.