Mary Sparrow was cursed at birth, and the bawdy house at the Cardinal's Cap is the only home she's ever known. Like most of the girls, she dreams of escape. But when an old man drives her friend to madness, she swears she will have her revenge. Toby Chyrche also hopes for a better future, away from the tailor's shop where his fate seems set in stone. Then a fateful meeting seems to promise freedom, until an ancient book of magic reveals chilling truths. Ensnared in the spreading web of darkness, they turn to magic to protect themselves. But shadowy forces crave a sacrifice, and the spectre of death is beckoning. Can they wield the power of the book to protect those they love? Or will they pay for their courage with their lives? is the second standalone novel in the spellbinding series. If you like dark magical realism and suspenseful fantasy, then you will love S.G. Slade's seductive historical novel. Content Warning: strong sex scenes and the occult