Torn apart by circumstances beyond their control, Chiaro and Cesare struggle to be reunited before Cesare's body is consumed by the dark force that is now devouring his very flesh. Chiaro, under suspicion for a murder he didn't commit, must tend to his own wounds in hiding, with the aid of an angelic figure who could heal his heart -- and tear apart his relationship with Cesare through jealousy and betrayal ...

As the demons within Cesare grow stronger, so do the feelings between Lucrezia and Chiaro. Furious and betrayed by the growing bond between them, Cesare insists that Lucrezia be married off at once -- and forces Chiaro to examine his feelings in a way that neither could have predicted.

Cesare Borgia's grand schemes are threatened when he's taken prisoner by a woman who has sworn to have him for herself! to add agony to treachery, Cesare learns that his beloved adoptive mother is in danger from a marauding band of soldiers! Can Cesare escape to save the one woman capable of banishing the ever-growing darkness in his heart? Chiaro rushes to the rescue -- but even the legendary assassin may not be able to help in time!