For centuries, Maher Xander has held silent dominion over Jakarta, an ancient power who sees the city and its fortunes as his own. He believes the city owes him a great debt, and 21-year-old Rossie Aurora is the final payment.
Rossie lives a life of modern luxury, unaware that her family's success is built on an ancient contract. Her ancestor traded a future bride for wealth and protection. On the night of her 21st birthday, Maher Xander arrives to collect.
Torn from her world, Rossie becomes a prisoner in Maher's hidden, opulent penthouse that exists between the city's skyscrapers. She resists her captor, but soon learns his secret: Maher is also trapped. An older magic forces him to take a bride from her bloodline, or his power over the city will collapse. He is not just a predator; he is a prisoner to the same contract.
When a rival enemy senses this weakness and moves to destroy Maher, Rossie is offered a choice: join his enemies and win her freedom, or side with the monster who claimed her.
Realizing she no longer belongs in the human world, Rossie chooses him. To survive, they must complete a dark, binding ritual that will transform her forever. She was the debt the city owed, but she becomes the queen he needs.