Six hundred years ago, Mara, the immortal captain of the Black Rose Guard, led her knights to their greatest victory: the annihilation of the Muir Court. For avenging a fallen princess, she was hailed a hero. Yet for Mara, the mirror reflected only a killer. Haunted by the slaughter carried out in the name of honor and duty, Mara hoped she had fought her last battle. But when a mysterious girl arrives pleading for aid, Mara's dream of peace shatters as the blood roses begin to bloom. Determined to save the young woman for whom the long-dormant roses have awakened, Mara dons her ancient Arius blade, and prepares to once again lead her men into a fight from which they may never return. All the while, Mara's enemies prepare to exploit her greatest weakness: the life of her only love, Edward. Her sole warning is whispered in shadows: .