All that changes for Fred Wilder when he meets Elliam Sturm a few weeks after Sloane Beaumont first becomes a Starkiller and kills a god.

As a ghoul, Fred Wilder needs very specialized medicine to combat his constantly rotting body. As a thief, Fred needs that body in good condition. Fortunately for him, Ell does the impossible: brings new life to Fred's dead flesh.

Just being around Ell makes Fred feel alive for the first time since his untimely demise. He's so charmed by Ell's bright personality and shared love of obscure fantasy that he doesn't think twice about the source of Ell's power. But this is Archersville, so their blossoming romance is threatened by a dangerous painting that could awaken an ancient god who could destroy the world. Now the fate of billions hinges on Fred completing a daring heist.

But as Fred and Ell work together, the true depth of Ell's power becomes impossible for Fred to ignore, and he's forced to accept that perhaps the biggest mystery--and the biggest threat--has been with them all along....