In exchange for her brother's life, Arvelle must enter the Sundering –– a deadly competition where the winners are chosen for the Imperius –– the emperor's elite guard. It's a dangerous task made even worse when she attracts the attention of the same ruthless vampire who shattered her heart six years ago. With elite gladians targeting her in the lethal arena, and an assassin picking the competitors off one-by-one, Arvella has no choice but to ally with the man who once betrayed her. The man who has since become even more implacable, colder and merciless.