Physics major Dieter Lindemann is perfectly content living in a world where the Shadows he sees and hears are nothing but hallucinations. But when one attacks him, he's forced to confront the fact that maybe he isn't the only witch in the room. He meets Necromancer Alistair Cudmore and discovers that the Shadows are not only real but dangerous. Though Alistair offers to help him, Dieter quickly realizes that what he and Alistair want are two very different things, and it's a difference that could cost him his life. Controlling and possessive, Alistair pushes him further and further into blood magic. Dieter tries to resist but when an incident at a club forces him into Necromancy, he has no choice but to be dragged down into a world he never wanted any part in. As the spirits and Alistair grow more and more violent, Dieter realizes he must break away from his mentor and learn to control the Shadows on his own before they destroy him. And Alistair isn't about to let him go without a fight.