Kalista's Hope Strong-willed Kalista is determined her father and domineering stepmother will not have their way in marrying her off to a man, of their choosing. She has made plans to the contrary. When Gaius enters her world, Kalista's baffled and intrigued. His selflessness and strength of character is like a balm to her unsettled soul. And yet, not even Gaius' kind words and warm sentiments are able to quell the wounds buried in her. After fleeing to Pompeii, her mother's ancestral home, Kalista soul-searches and discovers one thing that might save her family from ruin. But when the fires of Rome burn, leaving devastation in its wake, and Gaius and her family are nowhere to be found, Kalista is left with nothing but ashes. How can she believe life is still worth living?