The brave Empress of Istanov must face a diabolical attack as the Duke of Ashes is rejoined by his lieutenants. In a desperate struggle to save her family's empire, Damera Istanova will confront a brutal foe and fight to save mankind from the onslaught of lusty monsters. Empress Damera Istanova has been betrayed by her brother, abandoned by the Red Mages, and now her allies from Heimsvak to the east must depart to protect their borders. At this critical moment, the empress realizes that battle is at hand and confronts an insidious plan hatched by the Duke of Ashes and the Red Witch. The empress must face a foe from without and a foe from within her ranks. When pleasure can become the downfall of an empire, no man or woman is safe. This 16,000+ word battle between good and evil will mean either the beginning of the downfall of Istanov or the hope for a victory snatched from the jaws of defeat. The empress will confront evil, treachery, and insidious pleasure. Can she preserve her empire or will she become another slave to the pleasure offered by the Duke of Ashes?