A slip-up by LJ brings him before the Prince of Chicago, presenting a double-edged dagger of an opportunity for his silver tongue to help him survive and perhaps enter the Ivory Tower, or cut himself deeply in his eagerness. Meanwhile, Amelie meets with a hunter backed by a mysterious organization in an effort to find more allies against the kindred enemies that surround her; but who is the Lion and who is the Lamb when fledgling vampire conspires with veteran hunter?