Following his imprisonment and the betrayal of one of his fellow ka-tet members, Matthew de la Roche withdraws from them as well as from the Resistance itself. He struggles to find a way past the trauma that's left him grief-stricken and distrustful of those whom he had once considered family.

A surprise encounter with the powerful Medici family of Tuscany alters the harmful and lonely path Matthew has chosen. Creating a mortal persona, he discovers a renewed sense of purpose and contentment in their world, but as much as Matthew desires to live as a human, he is not.

When King Valentino makes a bold move to control Cardinal Medici and other mortals who rule Rome, Matthew assumes the role of protector – a role that shouldn't be difficult for a fire elemental of his age – except his element hasn't worked correctly since his imprisonment. The Vampire King's plans threaten the new life he has created.

Deep in enemy territory, Matthew believes he is alone. He may be the only vampire able to stop Valentino's plans, but Matthew may have more allies than he knows.

*This book takes place between books 2-3 of the main series. Reading at least books 1 & 2 is highly recommended.

**Trigger warning: this book contains flashbacks of torture the MC suffered while imprisoned. *.