The final war is on the horizon. Years ago Renaldo would have said all is fair in love and war. Now hes sure nothing is. His husband, Casto, has left him, and without his touchstone, Renaldo cannot control his powers. The loss could not come at a worse time. The Good Mother and her followers are stretching out in a power grab, dividing the forces of the Gods of War and putting their victory in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Casto has reached the ancient city of Quellrenar, where raw magic has been burned so deeply into the fabric of creation that no one can stay for any length of time. Delving into the past the city reveals to him shows Casto that he and Renaldo are not so different. But even if he accepts his role as Renaldos heart, theres a long way to go before hell find any peace. Because Quellrenar itself is speaking to him, driving him to the brink of insanity....