Darrius of Blackstone, emissary to King Henry III, is sent to northern England to snuff out an enemy of the crown. Everything spirals out of control when the scales of justice tip and the controlled warrior unleashes his heart upon a woman suffering from neglect. He knows the risks, but he needs her light in his dark world.

Abused by her power-greedy father all her life, Lady Brenna of Carthmore despises her pawn like status and the arranged marriage hanging over her head. Yet her new husband confounds her at every turn. She stumbles upon his secret, tipping the scale of the heart until betrayal vilifies a new day.

The Imperial Arm and his Elite are confronted by all sides of misery and everyone must reveal their deepest soul before blood runs.