As a priestess of Desou, Laila knows the most sacred Rule in the Temple. No priestess should look upon the world outside or be seen by any man. Even in the face of catastrophic fire, the priestesses keep the Rule, and burn. All except Laila. Over one hundred years ago, Niko vowed allegiance to the Dark and became a vampire in order to defend his mother and sister. He never expected to destroy them himself. Now he lives in the shadows of Atlantis, the greatest civilization in the world, hating himself and reviled by others. Pulling one lovely priestess from a burning temple can't possibly atone for a century of drinking human blood. Although his very touch is said to defile her, Niko vows to protect Laila, not only from the men who hunt her but from the darkness he carries within himself. But Laila desires love and strength, not protection, and she's willing to make her own vow to the Dark in order to get it.