Zenia Khatibi made one catastrophic mistake.

Just one.

She kissed Kairo Rainer, the monster, the scourge...

                ...the Butcher.

Now he is in her head. In her dreams. In every waking thought, grinning and whispering, "Lemme in, birdie."

Kingdoms are preparing for war.

Ancient prophecies are beginning to unravel.

But nothing is nearly as dangerous as one chaotic snow leopard that has no intention of letting go of the black owl between his teeth.