As the Riftwar draws to its tumultuous end, Mara is set upon at every turn by dark magic, political murder, and devastating heartbreak. What her blood enemy, the vengeful Lord Desio of the Minwanabi, isn't counting on is Mara's relationship with a rakish Midkemian slave -- whose secret identity becomes his mistress's secret weapon -- and Mara's own genius for strategy. Magical portals to the rimworld are sundered as battle is finally joined between House Acoma and House Minwanabi. Mara can rely only on her own instincts, and the plan she devises could either bring her ultimate victory -- or forever tear the Empire apart.