Peace descends on the Ravenwood, and Raze Anvrell trusts that as love lays open his life, the turmoil of his past will loosen its grip. But in the halls of Avanoe and catacombs of Ezar, political intrigues thicken. Deflection and secrets manipulate the truth and more than one ruler stakes a claim in the quest for power. A swallower of multiple souls, Sajem files his teeth and inks his eyes. Tentacles of madness slither deeper into the slaver's afflicted mind. His raids grow brazen, tactics harsh, and conscience stripped bare. Alliances shift and fracture, and no one is too old or young, too wealthy or beautiful to spare.When death descends on his freehold, Raze must battle for those he loves, the principles he holds dear, and the world he desires. While heirs compete for the Ezari throne, slavers plot each other's demise. If Raze wishes to save his family, his freehold, his chance at love, and his life, he must swallow one more soul.