It's been three months since Drothe killed a legend and unexpectedly elevated himself into the ranks of the underworld elite. Now, as the newest Gray Prince managing the city's underbelly, he's learning how good he used to have it. With barely an organization to his name, Drothe is already being called out by other Gray Princes. And to make matters worse, when one dies, all signs point to Drothe as wielding the knife.
Members of the Kin begin choosing sides - mostly against him - for what looks to be another impending war. Then Drothe is approached by a man who has the solution to Drothe's problem and an offer of redemption. The only problem is the offer isn't for him. Now Drothe finds himself on the way to the Despotate of Djan, the empire's long-standing enemy, with an offer to make and a price on his head. And the grains of sand in the hour glass are running out, fast...