While researching the reason magic disappeared four hundred years ago Theria, a wandering archaeologist, is tricked into opening a cursed tomb, releasing a very ancient and very evil form of magic back into the world. Now, if she wants to track down the men who tricked her and kidnapped her friend, she'll need the help of the ancient magical creatures. Except that they have sworn off contact with the race of men. The task of gaining their help is not a simple one and leads Theria to the forests of her childhood nightmares, stormy mountain peaks, a prison from which none have ever escaped, and-perhaps worst of all-the darkness of her own heart and the hearts of men, a refining fire that may cost her life.