The time has come for Sonny Preyer to admit who his is. After eighteen years of hiding in the existence of a frightened boy, he can no longer deny that he is a very powerful Illumenae. Too many innocent people need his help. But human fear, as well as the memory of what he suffered lifetimes ago - by the very people he loved - renders his heart heavy and his mercy slow. He takes his time forgiving, but time is running out as his power leaks, spilling into the clutches of Sonny's greatest enemy. A monstrosity called Dastas. Dastas is the only living soul who remembers the crime committed against Sonny a thousand years ago, and is responsible for it. Now he is bent on finishing what he started. After a thousand years, what has slept will awaken. What has been hidden will be revealed. And what gives life, will kill.