Nothing will be the same for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After the war with the Shadows was prevented, alliances were created and military conflicts escalated. The killers from the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, they play on human weaknesses to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood begins preparing for an all-out attack on their enemies, one of the fighters experiences the battle within himself... For Rhage, the Brother with not only the most insatiable appetites, but also the biggest heart, life should have been perfect - or, according to at least completely cloudless. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side, the King and Brothers prosper. But Rhage can't understand - or control - the panic and uncertainty that torments him... And it scares him - and alienates him from his mate. After suffering a fatal injury in battle, Rhage must reconsider his priorities - and the answer he receives could rock his world... and Mary's. But Mary is on her own path, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a rift from which neither will be able to recover...