Eight years ago, Audrey MacLaren chose to marry her human lover. That decision marked her as an exile from the Dragon Kings, an ancient race of demons who were once worshiped as earthly gods. In the centuries since, as conception became increasingly difficult, their numbers have dwindled. Yet Audrey and her husband managed the impossible. Their son is the first natural-born Dragon King in a generation-which made him irresistible to the sadistic scientist whose technology makes demon procreation possible. In the year since her husband died failing to prevent their kidnapping, Audrey and her little boy have endured hideous experiments.
Leto Garnis is a Cage warrior, the third in an illustrious line. Only through combat can Dragon Kings earn the privilege of conceiving children. Leto thrives on his status and expects a glorious death. Until that day, he uses his superhuman speed and reflexes to secure the right for his two sisters to start families. Shackled with collars that inhibit powers ranging from teleportation to control of the elements, demon combatants are only given free rein within the Cages. Matches staged between three cartel families are novel bloodsport among rich and powerful humans.
After torture reveals Audrey's astonishing pyrokenesis, she is separated from her son and sent to the Cages. If she survives a year, she will be reunited with him. Leto is charged with her training. Initially, he has no sympathy for her plight. But if natural conception is possible, what has he been fighting for? As enemies, sparring partners, lovers, and eventual allies, Leto and Audrey learn how little honor exists in their underground world.
