Imryne, third daughter of House Melrae, is a drow noble living in the city of Fanaedar, deep beneath the surface of the earth. Her House follows the worship of a forbidden goddess: Ellistraee, the Dark Maiden. Trained in the art of housecraft, Imryne waits upon her mother's word, raising her children and loving her chosen spouses.

When an allied house falls, House Melrae is promoted to the ruling council of Fanaedar, an uneasy alliance of the twelve most powerful houses that purportedly work for the greater good of the city. Imryne is chosen to represent her house, a great honor that comes with a very high price: representatives wield great power and are all too often victims of the machinations of the other houses.

Imryne must play the great game of politics, preserve the well-being of her house and its secrets, and build alliances with houses both above and below. Betrayed from within, haunted by secrets that go even deeper than Imryne imagines, House Melrae is fighting for its life--as is Imryne.

For the worst enemy of all lurks deep within Imryne's soul...

Dramatis Personae

Chapter 1: One Falls, One Rises
Chapter 2: Slaves, Hostages, and Outcasts
Chapter 3: If I Forget Thee
Chapter 4: When Web Is Spun
Chapter 5: The Market
Chapter 6: Where Darkness Thrives
Chapter 7: Soft Weapons
Chapter 8: Dark Water