Con artist Elani Lehmann has no qualms about breaking the law if it benefits her daughter, Lisette. Using every trick up her sleeve, she has maneuvered Lisette into the best school. But when the headmistress raises tuition, threatening to expel Lisette, Elani needs money—and fast.

Desperate, she breaks into the house of the infamous blood mage and Secret Police operative Mister Hendricks. But the job turns sour as he tracks her down. To save herself, Elani convinces him to make her his informant.

Hendricks curses Elani to keep her compliant, thrusting her straight into the political storm surrounding the eccentric Lady Sybil’s suffragist movement.

Infiltrating Lady Sybil’s circle is easy; claiming the cause doesn’t matter is not. As Lady Sybil challenges Elani’s every belief, liaising with Hendricks blurs the line between partner and adversary—and the headmistress’s deadline is ticking closer.

Now, Elani faces an impossible choice. Defy Hendricks and help Lady Sybil, or obey him to survive his curse? Whichever side she chooses will damn Elani and everything she has fought to give Lisette.