Half insane after the death of his wife and daughter, Rahym runs a Lodge near the Door to Hell. With a sector curse that causes anyone to collapse into Hibernation after four hours of exertion, a stay at the Lodge is the only way for people to cross the Karakum Desert without falling victim to fire or demonlings. Then Nakir, an old friend and the angel leading the rebel group known as Halos, appears with a plan to break the curse. He's brought Rahym's childhood love, Jennet, whose special witch powers may be the tipping point the resistance needs to win. But first, they'll have to brave Hell itself.