It is the Beginning of the End...And the End is doomed from the start when a beastly Vessifer enters the city of Maerise. Artherien was banished from his home country with an impossible mission and a cursed bracer to keep him on task and prevent his transformation, something he is not keen on-considering how difficult his task is: to find the rumored healer of his race, called Heraghine. Meanwhile in Maerise, the princess is kidnapped, preoccupying the King while another unwelcome visitor arrives thanks to councilwoman Kotaphira. Rinlear, who was once like Kotaphira's brother, is now more demon than man. Dragged into the bowels of the castle as one of three keys needed by Kotaphira, she also has plans for Artherien when she learns he is searching for the fabled Heraghine. Caught up in her mistress Kotaphira's plans, rune mage Kemryn is falling apart. Attacked by Rinlear and unnerved by a night with Artherien, she no longer trusts in her abilities. However, she is needed to keep Rinlear and the other beasts at bay. Somehow she must find the strength to use her abilities without showing fear. Is the Heraghine the answer to their problems? Or will someone else step up to take control? Can Artherien keep his transformation at bay, or will he fall to his curse and wreak havoc on the city?

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