The bastard child of a fallen woman, Matthias has known nothing but judgment and hatred from the harsh, religious people of his enclave—except for Balthazar. The son and heir of the High Elder, Balthazar shows Matthias kindness, love... and desire. But when the High Elder discovers them, Matthias is arrested and sent to an isolated prison known as the School. There, and in the wastelands beyond, Matthias learns the truth about his world, his heritage, his power, and love.