For centuries the Miller women have protected their community. On the surface, they grind herbs and mix oils for the common illness, but they have another inheritance: a dark, living force they control with their blood. A series of events force Saffron Miller to intervene in Mina's life. In order to stop her friend's adulterous husband from his nefarious activities and ensure that another, better man takes his place, Saffron uses her power to create Adam. Now it's time to pass on the family gift but to whom? Saffron's daughter doesn't have the prerequisite characteristics, but Mina does. Which of the two can be trusted, or should fate be allowed to choose?