A stunning historical novel of intrigue, seduction, murder, and mystery, set in a glittering and opulent era.

Hoshi'tiwa is 17 years old, a member of an unnamed clan in what will, centuries later, become New Mexico. Her life is simple --- she is a corn grower's daughter and she will soon marry a storyteller's apprentice. Until she is captured by the powerful and violent ruler of Center Place, a legendary city of untold wealth and unspeakable violence. Suddenly, Hoshi'tawa must negotiate the ways of the Dark Lord's court without losing her knowledge of herself or her clan. She will gather what power she can, and discover a forbidden love with the one man who has the ability to destroy her at will. Bestselling author Barbara Wood has written a novel of an extraordinary woman drawn into a world of violence, passion, gods, and sacrifice.