Gabriel wakes deep within the ground, and the first sensation he feels is an overwhelming hunger for blood. As he hunts the dark streets of Paris for prey, a voice calls to him, soothing and calming, giving him the strength to control his craving.

Francesca Del Ponce is a healer, a woman who radiates goodness as powerfully as the sun does light. Though Gabriel can only imagine what she will feel like in his arms, he knows the taste of her will be addictive. Yet, he fears for her life and his soul if he gives in to his desire.

With one mind-shattering vow, Francesca gives herself—"I offer freely, without reservation, I offer my life for yours as is my right"—and with a firestorm of long-forgotten feelings, Gabriel glimpses salvation.