For four thousand years, the malevolent sorcerer Cath Mazgul has lain defeated. With him has perished much of the greatness of old, for magic was lost at his downfall. Although Mazgul is vanquished, his power still infiltrates the shadows. Throughout the Age of Mourning, Cath Mazgulâ€s magic corroded the veins of his descendants. Now Isissa Hamartai is nineteen, and her gaze has never left the horizon. As she lies upon her auntâ€s rooftop, the power of Mazgul is awakened within Isissaâ€s veins. To avoid discovery and death, Isissa seeks refuge in an underground city; even there, she does not find solace. A thief has filched the one artifact that may ultimately lead to the rebirth of Mazgulâ€s armies. Although Isissa is loyal, the temptation of Mazgulâ€s power may prove an irresistible temptation. In addition to the magic of Mazgul within her, Isissa has also come to possess Mazgulâ€s spirit…