Few authors have achieved such renown as World Fantasy Life Achievement honoree and Science Fiction Writers of America Grand Master Andre Norton. With the love of readers and the praise of critics, Norton's books have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Amelia could never have known that the necklace—the delicate filigree butterflies of dead black iron—would become the yoke that could drag her down to death.

Amelia Harrach lived with a name blackened by scandal. They said her grandmother's marriage to a captive Hessian officer during the American Revolution had been false. Moreover, they said Amelia's father was a bastard. Then came the news that her grandfather was indeed alive and ready to acknowledge Amelia's legitimacy, and make her heiress to a great fortune in Germany.

And so began a journey—a journey into horror and evil that would endanger Amelia and her fortune. Suddenly, she was trapped in a world of drugs and nightmares. But the treacherous way to freedom lay ahead—and so did love . . .