Love and magic might change the world, but will that change be good for anyone?
Sumi has served in the City of Temples for so long she's almost forgotten her own name; she even thinks of herself as just the high priestess of the dark goddess Maldita. Sumi trains those who possess magic, sells their talents, collects their tithes. When the occasion demands it, she even offers up her own body as a vessel, so Maldita can preside over Her congregation in person.
But now people from the neighboring city to the west are sneaking in to preach their own religion— and they say Maldita is not the goddess She seems, but merely a demon to be slain.
In contrast to their hate, a new temple servitor speaks of neighbors, community, and a family that loves him. His stories of life outside the temples' influence might be true. Worse… he treats Sumi like a personinstead of a vessel, and her heart softens.
Threats loom from without and within the dark temple. Unable to leave the grounds, Sumi chafes at her duties, and begins to think oh-so-secretly of rebellion against Maldita…
In a confrontation with a goddess, who will survive?