In the kingdom of Rhethos, Angelyn McKinlee has always kept her head down. She obeys commands, shelters her son, and stays away from anyone involved in the magic of the foreign Blood Goddess. But rumors have spread into her seaside town like the evening tide: rebels have begun to fight for freedom, claiming that a life could exist where everyone chooses their own paths to happiness. Master Will, the rebel leader, comes to Angelyn's home spreading hope like fire. Her teenage son is eager to join the rebellion, despite threats from their Lord's ambitious lieutenant whose blood-thirsty men guard every street corner. To her surprise and frustration, Angelyn finds that Will himself is a dark but appealing man.

Across the sea in the kingdom of Armelle, where the Blood Goddess is worshipped peacefully, lives a key piece of the world's destiny. Devaki is a sixteen-year-old girl who possesses an unnaturally strong Touch of the Goddess. With a mysterious connection to Will, Devaki wields undying faith that she channels through Blessing Runes cut into her skin that create magical results. Her desire to help rebirth the world will align with certain rebels and clash with others. 

Amongst bloody magical runes, vicious military men, and lies buried in the past awaits the dream of a place free of fear and oppression. How can the rebel leader fight for what he feels is right without becoming a monster himself? And how can a single mother recognize her worth and finally own her voice above the chaos? Could freedom be worth the safety of her son? Is the uncovering of forbidden magic worth the risk? Is true freedom really possible?