After two days in isolation, Ayleth still doesn't know why Fendrel placed her under house arrest. Powerful drugs suppress Laranta deep inside her, leaving her alone with too many unanswered questions. What has become of kidnapped Lady Cerine? Why has Prince Gerard not stepped in to help? What is Fendrel's ultimate agenda? And, most urgently, where is Terryn? Has Fendrel arrested him as well for the curse he carries? The curse that nearly made him kill Gerard . . . . When a Phasmatrix arrives at the castle with a host of shade hunters, Ayleth fears they have come to test Terryn and, if he cannot be cured, to execute him. But the Phasmatrix has a different objective in view, and Terryn's life might not be the one most imperiled. Betrayal surrounds Ayleth on all sides, and fiery doom awaits her at dawn. Will she find an unexpected ally amid the coming storm? Or will she face the truth of her past--and its future consequences--alone? Return to the dark and deadly intrigues of The Venatrix Chronicles, where witches wage war against holy orders, friends and enemies are equally treacherous, and secrets long thought dead struggle into light. If you enjoy kick-butt heroines, conflicted heroes, and slow-burn romance ready to ignite, then you will love Ayleth and Terryn's latest adventure!