When Khouri journeyed to the surface with Sorin at his side, he anticipated adventures, excitement, and the chance to see things he'd never before dreamed of seeing. The ocean, the beach, and the pleasures to be had in Sorin's childhood home prove to be exactly the sort of distraction he needs from the homesickness that follows him wherever he goes.

Navidae is never far from his mind, a fact that becomes almost a little too apparent when his lover continues to send letters with a frequency they hadn't planned on. As Khouri attempts to enjoy his oceanside vacation with Sorin and Sorin's family, the pervasive worry that something isn't quite right back at home continues to grow, coming to a head when a familiar messenger appears with orders to bring Khouri back to the Duskriven by any means necessary.

Mistakes of the past have a way of resurfacing, no matter how deeply they're buried. The politics of the Duskriven have come full circle, threatening Navidae and everything he holds dear. The enemy this time isn't someone who can just be assuaged by threats or bribes, and as the danger mounts, Navidae's desperation rises with it. Khouri and his lovers face their new adversary--first alone, and then with each other, proving that even though the words may come slowly to some of them, forgiveness, apologies, and confessions are expressions best said aloud.

(Direct sequel to Epithymy)