While departing Chicago, Jim is sidelined to meet an old acquaintance. Truths he's felt building since meeting the impish, alluring Mandy are peeled apart and highlighted. Can he ignore them anymore? What will he choose to do about a new threat? Can he muster allies? What about those around him? Many might be endangered; some will fall, others may find his side.

Closer to home, Mandy reveals much and becomes even more crucial to him. With their love intensifying and partnership more solid than ever, she makes decisions and uncovers secrets that draw both her and her husband deeper into Jim's orbit. Infatuated, obsessed, and dedicated, Cinder also speeds toward a man who's lived far too long.

Thus, as darkness strengthens and the gods watch from Olympus, strengths are honed and an old, scarred warrior must ride out once more. His fate, tied to so many others, lies bare in the oldest of gambling dens.