Empress Domnina, governor of the Realm of Shadows, has forbidden a relationship between Elena and the vampire Decio. No longer willing to abide by Domnina's ruling, Elena decides to confront the governor and learns of a surprising secret that rocks her to the core. While a prophecy looms, and dangerous beasts invade the realm, Elena might discover that assumptions can prove false and that real love can be found even in the darkest of places.