In the seventh century B.C., Kalla must pretend to be one of the hated enemy--a Spartan--in order to save her family. Her gift of sight has brought her to the attention of her Spartan master, Praxiteles, who is determined to use her to overthrow one of the dual kings of the Spartan monarchy. She has no choice but to play along, or her father and brothers will die.

Zarek is an Aresian vampire--descendent of the great god of war himself--and is a fierce proponent of one of the Spartan kings, in direct opposition to the man who threatens Kalla's family. When Praxiteles introduces Kalla as the Spartan's new oracle, Zarek is suspicious of her, both because her behavior is inconsistent with that of a Spartan woman, and especially because of her association with Praxiteles. But when she tells Zarek something that happened in a recent battle that no one but one of his men--in whose fealty he has absolute trust--could know, he begins to believe her. With his skepticism put to rest, he gives in to his desire for her.

Kalla and Zarek must now face a common enemy--one who threatens both Zarek's way of life and Kalla's family. But their happiness is not guaranteed. What will Zarek do when he discovers Kalla is involved in the plot to overthrow his king? And when Kalla's father reveals that she is not Messenian, but Spartan, by birth, it conflicts with the pride she's always had in her Messenian culture. Will she have to give up one to embrace the other?