In the world-sized city of Jadzia, magic and ancient science merge into something dark and wondrous. Kore's life is consumed by power, politics, sex and vengeance, and as courtesan to the wealthy and powerful, he is privy to all manner of secrets. He knows meddling in politics is dangerous still, he is willing to risk everything to stop his father from seizing the Imperial Throne of the War District.

But Kore soon finds the corruption runs far deeper than just one man. During a tryst in an ancient tomb in the pursuit of political influence Kore encounters a dying god, who imbues him with the powers of one of the city's sacred dragons. Suddenly Kore finds himself a hunted man, threatened with becoming a pawn by whoever finds him first.

If the wrong person discovers his secret and lays claim to his powers they would plunge their world into war, unleash untold horrors and destroy the city and the two people he has come to love.