After the death of Geofred, Prince of Eagles, Raven and the Exiled Kindred find themselves trapped in the city of Banelyn and under siege by the indomitable Prince of Wolves. Forced to fight for the lives of his companions, Raven finds himself descending into madness he cannot control, even as he tries to understand the prophecies contained within his brother's mind. The Empire's plans are shrouded in darkness, but one thing is clear: the Empress is striving for something called the Return, and it will cost the Kindred everything.