As the Iris family consolidates their hang on Nether society, Will finds himself more powerful and yet even more vulnerable than ever. His strongest supporters have died, and his wife provides left him, an undeniable fact that will demolish him if it comes out. To maintain his position-and to remain alive-he needs to get her back, whatever the price.

Cathy has finally escaped the Nether but finds her reliance on Sam’s protection chafing. When the mysterious sorceress, Bea, gives her an opportunity to receive true independence, Cathy makes a deal with her. But can she and Sam work out the best way to navigate Bea’s programs for future years without getting another of her victims? In the meantime, Sam discovers that good deeds bring few benefits in the Elemental Court, which the road to saving the globe from self-destruction can be strewn with blood, lawyers, and sleepless nights.

Max as well as the gargoyle struggle to protect innocents while Rupert continues to be obsessed with locating Bea. As their fundamental beliefs in the manner the Worlds function falters, they have to make difficult options about where their loyalties rest.