In the dark of Yrecep Forest hides a wellspring of magic guarded jealousy by a group known only as the Coven. Here children learn to fight to survive and must offer bloody sacrifices to the old gods for blessings of might and magic. Pesdari, a young woman who had been adopted by the Coven as a child, has had enough of this life. With no desire to become anyone's sacrificial offering, she plans to escape. When an opportunity for freedom arises, Pesdari is eager to snatch it, but she'll need to betray her only friend to accomplish her goal. Will Pesdari remain true to the bonds of friendship or do whatever it takes to survive?