Dmitri Markov faces the greatest challenge of his unnaturally long life. His attempt to end centuries of torture and pain traps him in a void where nothing exists but an unseen enemy unlike any he's faced before. It's only when the first glimmer of light pierces the darkness that he discovers it may be too late to escape. Eliza Ross must risk her life to reach Dmitri, or she will never untangle the lies keeping her captive in Shashenka Belyakov's coven. The truth can set her free, but at a price-it may redefine her past, mangle her future, and unleash an evil that wants to claim her as its own. Matt Wolfe's life changed forever when he received Eliza's mark, but that doesn't stop him from helping her lead a revolt that may get them both killed. When a near-fatal attack forces Shashenka's hand, a maxian of questionable loyalty may mean the difference between peace and ruin for the shadow realm world. Shashenka's artifice is exposed, and there is no turning back. Paths will merge and collide. Blood will be spilled, and lives lost. But lurking in the shadows is a danger craving a greater sacrifice still. Fate dispenses lessons among choices, and it always collects a fee when it pays the rewards.