I'm an outcast and a loner, named for death itself. Fate wasn't supposed to have plans for me. But then she came back--the girl I once kissed in a thorn-covered chapel in the woods. She came back, and I could no more resist her than I could pry out my own heart. And by some trick of fate, she wants me as much as I want her. The only problem? She also wants the man who owns Thornchapel, Auden Guest. And so do I. Eight years ago, I did something to Auden, something terrible. He hurt me back the only way he knew how, and so here we are: our hatred seasoned with pain and my loneliness seasoned with longing. The only thing we can agree on is Proserpina Markham, and she wants us to find a way to be together--all three of us. If Auden wants to earn her as his submissive, then he has to earn me as well. But with the discovery of bones behind the altar and the carnal revel of Beltane fast approaching, it's becoming clear that Thornchapel's secrets are much deeper and older than any of us could have ever guessed. And no matter how bright and merry a feast of sparks may be, it's always followed by ashes. And darkness.