For countless centuries, I've been the assassin for the infamous Merlin, even though the woman who birthed me sits at the right hand of our enemy, Morgen le Fey. Now both my mother and Morgen have decided that it's time I take my place on their side of this conflict.

Normally, telling them no wouldn't be a problem, except for the fact that the good guys I protect think that I'm an even worse demon than the ones we fight. Hmm, maybe they're right. I have to say that I do enjoy maiming anyone who gets in my way.

At least until my mother gives me a simple choice: join Morgen's Circle of the Damned or see an innocent woman die. I'm all for saving the innocent, but Merewyn isn't as innocent as she seems. And she's none too fond of the fact that her fate is in my dubious hands. Personally I'm all for taking the easy way out, but leaving her to Morgen is rough, even for me. Now the only way to save both our lives is to face the evilest forces ever known--my mother and Morgen. And two people who know nothing of trust must learn to rely on each other or die: provided we don't kill each other first.

As a young man, Stryder of Blackmoor was imprisoned in the Holy Land and once he regained his freedom, he resolved to live the rest of his life without any emotional ties except to his friends. His allegiance is solely for his king and for his fellow members of The Brotherhood of the Sword. He has but one calling in life - to help free the poor unfortunate souls who were wrongfully imprisoned as he was. The last thing he wants is a home and hearth. But when he meets Rowena, the renowned Lady of Love, Stryder's resolve is weakened. For the first time, he wants to live his life for himself - and what he wants is her. Unfortunately the path to true love rarely runs smooth; Stryder becomes aware of a plot against King Henry and all the clues point to Rowena's beloved uncle as the culprit. His oath to the king demands he expose her uncle, yet Stryder knows in his heart that if does, Rowena will never forgive him.