After the destruction of her native city, Ilati must find a way forward to make a new life and avenge the fallen, shedding her old self as high priestess of the goddess of love like a snake leaves its skin. But with a sorcerer at her shoulder that she isn't certain she can trust, the protection of a charioteer with a dark curse, the companionship of a nomadic warrior with a child who is not dead and not alive, and the Mother of Demons herself involved—can she survive? Can she hold onto the righteous path or will revenge and ambition drive her to seek another?

Great Nysra, who claims her grandfather's title King of Kings, is not about to surrender his grip on the conquered lands. With skin that can turn even gods-blessed bronze and the power to conjure spell-fire and lightning, is it possible to even topple his throne? Between his dark gods and his vast army, Ilati faces a task monumental in scope. The mountain vipers are everywhere as the four corners of the world tremble before Nysra's might.

But woe to the men of Nadar, for they have let a lioness slip between their spears...