As a young man, Aleksandr Wilder abandoned his duty - and for that lapse, he was tortured, tormented . . . and transformed. Now he prowls the tunnels beneath the city, fighting on the frontline against the forces of hell, never daring to dream that he can live as a man again.

After seven years fighting the world's ultimate evil, Chosen One Charisma Fangorn has become a tough, strong warrior without illusions or joy; even her gift of hearing the earthsong has faded. Deaf to her own instincts, she never suspects that a monster lurks in the dark underneath the streets.

When Aleksandr finds Charisma under attack, he rescues and cares for her, and hope stirs once more in his heart . . . and in the world. But in the secret recesses of his soul, he knows the truth. A woman so exceptional could never love a beast - could she?

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