Peace has come to an end. The future promises only darkness and not even the gods will be spared, for like the humans that worship them, they are nothing but prey to the true enemy. Akee Tamin, the Black King of Ayotaya, a tyrant to his enemies, a savior to his people, faces rebellion from without and within, and nothing short of absolute victory will satisfy him. Marching his army to war, Akee Tamin leaves the capital in the hands of his closest friend, regent Vhijitra, a woman famed for her intelligence and compassion. Facing conspiracy and turmoil, promising nothing but blood and fire, Akee Tamin and Vhijitra must decide what lengths they are willing to go to protect the kingdom. But now the gods have involved themselves in the rising chaos, but to what purpose, in what capacity, and to whose benefit?