Porphyrias. Originating in Transylvania, the disease was penance for cannibals and those who took pleasure in feeding on the blood of another. This disease ravaged the infected body; drained the tone of their skin, caused them to grow fangs, disallowed for them to leave the house in the day and plagued them with an unending thirst for human blood. Those that were infected came to be known as vampires. Eventually, the diseased few turned too many and soon, the vampire race was comparable to the true humans. Throughout this process, Micah, a vampire and Samantha, a true human "Quencher," whose blood allows Micah to face the sun and survive, are lovers. Although, Micah is not the only one who seeks the blood of his beloved Samantha. When Samantha fulfills her dream of going to Europe to study the vampire race, Micah and their vampire friend, Constance, accompanies her for protection. However, the deeper they delve into the secrets behind the vampire race; the harder it is to escape their plans. Micah, Samantha and Constance must take a stand against the vampire government before the Rise of the Dark Sun is able to break through the dawn and allow all vampires the key to the gift of sunlight.