The Riordan twins lost their mother when they were born and their father was mysteriously killed when they were five. Scarlett and Janus were sent to live with their grandparents. Over the years, Janus and Scarlett's relationship escalates into an adult affair, which Janus uses to control his 17-year old sister. He knows her thoughts and torments her mind by eliminating everyone that could save her from his grasp. But most importantly, Janus depends on Scarlett's soul for eternal mortality. After their grandparents are killed in a fire, Scarlett finds her freedom with Erik Thomas, but after only one night together, Janus again takes control when Erik is involved in a car wreck and dies. Janus builds Scarlett a mansion. Scarlett finds out that she is pregnant and gives birth to twins. When Janus learns that he is dying of cancer, he knows he must kill Scarlett and keep her soul with him in order to move into the next life.