On the lower decks of the Sanguis Empire’s walking fortress, Lady Vain gives Her thrall its most important wound and finishes Her weapon. Prequel to ‘A Hunger in the Blood.’

Long has the Candlempire oppressed their unwilling waxen subjects. Today is a special day for one who sought to fight the Igniters’ terrible regime. Today is the day Lilith will have her wick set alight.

A smuggler is forced land by dogged pursuers, only to find that it’s a one way trip. And that the planet in which he lands is populated entirely by women. And, that one man happening to land does not, ultimately, change that fact.

Melinda Stark learns she has no reason to fear the new overlords of her city.