2800 years ago, society collapsed, and the former species of humans was splintered. Those who remained “human” found themselves able to tap into forces beyond scientific ken. Those who didn’t took on other forms: vampires who existed outside the normal cycle of life and death, lycanthropes who could channel the spirits of nature through their physical forms, and mutants who incited contempt and fear for their unpredictable abilities. During the ensuing global war, the vampire Saraphel had thrived as an assassin, using her stunning beauty as just as much of a weapon as her martial prowess. In her mind, there was no target safe from her reach, no foe who was her superior, but the war had ended eventually. In the resulting world, she carved out a new place for herself by catering to the darkness and depravity lurking within others. However, when her peace is shattered by an unknown assailant, she finds herself alone, besieged, and seeking a target for her fury. Desperation forges strange alliances as she tries to exact revenge, and behind it all lurks a plot renew feuds that had lain dormant for centuries. Contains a discussion guide for reading groups.