Xamual Amulyn is invisible to the undead. His unique gift was discovered years ago, and now he works reluctantly as an inquisitor for the local temple, investigating undead-related incidents in the city where he lives. Trú La Dommé, a disgraced clockmaker's apprentice, struggles with an opium addiction. Living in the sanctuary of the temple where Xamual works, she's been haunted by whispers in her mind ever since a stranger tattooed her back with runes. The whispers drive Trú to kill a man she's never met with magic she's never wielded. On the same day, a young woman is killed, her animated corpse is found walking through Xamual's childhood stomping grounds. As Xamual searches for answers to both crimes and as Trú seeks to rid herself of her murderous magic, they find themselves drawn into the criminal underworld, where gangs are vying for each other's territories and those who crave power will do whatever it takes-even turn the living undead-to gain more of it. When they discover a sinister force bent on taking control of the Island Realms, Xamual and Trú must decide how far they're willing to go to save the city-and the people-they love.