Synopsis -Of all the excesses indulged by the decadent Rhazaullean nobility, only one is forbidden - necromancy. It is to these addictive arts that Prince Varis has secretly resorted, hoping to usurp the Wolf throne through a serpentine choreography of murder and to forge a shining empire.

But his greatest challenge comes in the person of his beautiful niece Shalindra, gown to womanhood in the shadow of exile and dedicated to the cause of bringing her brother Cerrov – the rightful heir to the throne. Seized and brought to her uncle’s mountain stronghold. Shalindra is both repelled and fascinated by Varis Dark master of the dead, rule of lost souls. As winter looms ahead, their encounter threatens to shape for both of them a destiny far different – and far more dangerous – than either of them could ever have imagined.