Artemis Ravenwing, a dhampir and rightful heir to the throne of Blackwen City, struggles to accept her dark heritage as she plots to confront Arlina-a blood relative who murdered Artemis' mother to usurp the title of Mistress of Blackwen.

Along with friends like Shadow, an elf and former soldier of Ellewynth, and Talisa, a witch and longtime vassal of the water goddess of Arrygn, Artemis heads to Westyron-a human-run city with a deep hatred of those outside their own race. But lying in wait for Artemis' arrival is Arlina herself...as well as Gavin, the former human who fathered Artemis....