The madman. The magistrix. The monster.Even as she opens the letter, Aurelia knows it is already too late. Still, she has no choice but to answer the summons, though she fears she already knows what she will find.High in a cold and crumbling castle, a bitter man discovers the secret substance of life. A hideous creature opens its eyes. A mechanical golem finds his heart. This pair of abominations of science know they were destined for each other, but they continue to live only at their maker's pleasure.Only Aurelia can save them from the fractured mind of her former friend. But first, she has to save herself.