Princess, fugitive, mercenary - Bellsaw of Cynder has held many titles in her young life. But it wasn't until she joined the Hiksoni, a powerful group of holy warriors and priests, that she found her purpose - serving her gods and perusing the man she loves - Sely Larinissa. But the virtue and influence of the Hiksoni is a facade. Their power fades as they battle amongst themselves and the opportunistic forces against them. The Code and the Tomes, the twin foundations of their order, stir philosophical conflict. Rival organizations battle against their authority. Dark forces strike from the shadows. Threatening a deathblow to the Hiksoni is Sely's secret - a secret so profound, that it could destroy everything the Hiksoni believe. As her world crumbles, Bellsaw is trapped between faith and love, service and the law. With enemies on all sides, Bellsaw and Sely find themselves not only fighting for their lives, but their faith as well.