House Vasso rules the prosperous Kyir Province in the nation of Selathar. Well respected by the rest of the Nine Houses, they are a powerful voice on the Selathi Council.

But on the eve of crucial trade negotiations with another House, the Vasso Houselord dies, succumbing at last to an illness long suffered. Schooled his entire life to inherit the lordship, his son Tonas must contend with the ambitions of his visitors as well as strife within his own family. His sister Yanara established the dialogue for these talks, but her agenda may not be aligned to that of Tonas. Watching all of this unfold is Chessa, the head bodyguard to Tonas and his family, who has her own demons that threaten to overwhelm her.

Little can prepare Tonas and his family for what the threads of fate hold in store. A dark secret from the past is about to catch up with House Vasso, and not one of them will escape the chaos that is to come.