A mysterious deity, power-hungry priests and two young people fighting to stay alive. Kyla Tarthwen longs to join the ranks of the religious elite, the God-Sage's Sacred Core. But Kyla has a secret that could kill her. When an acolyte is murdered during Kyla's initiation, Kyla wonders if she is next. Can she do what it takes to secure her place in the Sacred Core, before the religious elite turn their watchful eye on her? Marlowe Tide is grieving the deaths of his parents, executed as traitors to the God-Sage. He is desperate to keep his sister safe. But Valora is a healer, and healing is a crime. She ought to be dead already. When Kyla Tarthwen arrives at Marlowe's door on a mission for the God-Sage, can Marlowe save his sister? When Marlowe and Kyla meet, events take place that will change the course of both their lives. If they don't kill each other first.