The waters of the inundation have receded, leaving the Earth fertile for the seeds of war. The winter growing season will nurture a discordant crop and lead into a bitter harvest. When Dr. Nicole Salem accepted her fate as NuruSekhmet, the living embodiment of the Egyptian goddess of war, she didn't realize she'd be bringing the ancient struggle all the way to Chicago. With the emergence of a deadly new enemy at home, Nicole finds out just how much more she has to lose. Nicole will have to rely on her faith, training, and new allies in the face of fear and betrayal. Open conflict is inevitable and only NuruSekhmet can stand between the forces of Apep and the rest of the world. Under pressure from the authorities, the forces of Apep, strife in the temple, and her old life in Chicago, Nicole will find out if she has what it takes to survive Peret.