In Roman Constantinople, the Tower of Hagia Sophia is a law unto itself. The mages who reside there do not interfere in mundane political affairs, and the Empire turns a blind eye to the magic they practice.
Livia Neria's husband, an imperial advisor, has just been murdered in his bed by a demon. Livia must discover who sent the demon who killed him before it strikes again at her and her young daughter.
In a city where words can be deadlier than daggers, nothing at all is as it seems. Livia finds herself playing a desperate game of shifting alliances as she tries to uncover the secrets for which her husband died. Words, blades, intrigue, magic: all of these are weapons one grieving woman must learn how to wield to avenge her husband, and keep herself and her people safe.
The attempt to unravel her husband's secrets will lead Livia into deadly places, and she will find that to defeat her enemies, she may have to become them......More >< Less