Persephone Alcmedi's beloved foster daughter, Beverley, has been playing with a magical artifact that's far more dangerous than she realizes. Now Persephone must summon help from a mystical being so potent that even vampires fear him ... and the cost of his aid may be more than she's willing to pay. Seph, Johnny, and Menessos face threats from all side -- and a few from within.

When assassin Gin Blanco, a.k.a. the Spider, is robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint during the biggest gala event of the summer at Ashland's fanciest art museum, she is more than happy to show these unlucky thieves that red is her favorite color.