Darius, son of Marklon, isn't looking for love the night destiny comes to claim him - but when a human woman runs into the road and he swerves to avoid killing her, everything goes off course. Disillusioned by his king's absence and the losses of the war against the Lessening Society, Darius finds purpose in protecting a woman he cannot make his own. A prequel novella to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, telling the story of Beth's father.