A world in which a person or a magician is just a toy in the hands of higher beings. A world where a dream can turn into the worst nightmare, and feelings crumble into dust. No one has control over himself when the time of the Ancients returns. No one knows when and in whose hand he will see the blade raised above him. Blindly following the call of his heart, Mortemar has to take the side of those who are losing the War of the Magicians in order to protect his beloved. But will he be able to protect her from himself when the body and mind, succumbing to the ancient instinct, take on the shape of the Beast? And what will happen to those who break the rules written by Life and Death themselves?..