When sand turns crimson and walls become cages, only love can keep them from breaking.

Lady Ariadne Caldwell, the Golden Rose of Valenul, received everything she could desire from the courting Season: freedom from the Society's expectations, a doting husband, and the inner strength to overcome the horrors of her past. With Lord Azriel Caldwell's bond sated and his darkest secrets revealed to his new wife, he can finally settle into his new life. Everything is as it should be.

When the newlyweds are torn apart by revenge, however, their plans for a peaceful future disappear. Exposed and arrested, Azriel is sent to Algorath's infamous Pits to serve out his prison sentence through trial-by-combat. But Ariadne is determined to save her husband from certain death and must leave everything and everyone she loves behind—including her sister, bound for a dangerous marriage.

As Azriel struggles to stay alive, he's faced with challenges he thought were long since put to rest: a crumbling bond and an old enemy sworn to kill him. Ariadne must act quickly to free him, for even if he survives the fights, the bond may damage him beyond repair.