**Blood magic can either save or destroy their city.** With the true threat revealed, Sam and Alec search for Master Helen and decide upon a dangerous gamble to uncover her plot. When Kavers turn up injured and drained of blood, they fear they might already be too late. The search for Helen leads to a discovery that changes everything Sam thinks about the Thelns and convinces her she needs to go after her brother. Reaching him is dangerous and will leave the city unprotected, but if she doesn’t, a far worse fate awaits. As Helen’s plan unfolds, Sam and Alec race to stop it, but they must discover what she truly intends or everyone with blood magic will suffer. The key to stopping her is a secret kept from everyone in Verdholm for decades, but that same key might be integral to her success. *The final volume in The Book of Maladies.*