In the sprawling, decrepit world-city of Cascartia, you're only as strong as the people you surround yourself with.

When Niall Torson passed through the enclave of Lorellan looking to freelance, he found an oasis of calm, a safe haven from the scavengers and enterprising murderers of the outside world.

All thanks to Lorellan's enigmatic leader - the White Lady.

While her bold reign keeps the enclave safe, the Lady is erratic, her judgements swift and brutal. When she pushes her last aide off a cliff for wasting resources, a replacement is the next order of business - and Niall finds his diligent efforts rewarded with an unexpected, very much unwanted promotion.

Refusing the dictator is usually a good way to wind up at the bottom of the cliff yourself, though, so Niall sets himself to the impossible task of keeping his mistress happy while plotting his escape. With his peek behind the curtain comes the realization there's more to the White Lady than he ever knew - and that the world threatens Lorellan more than its citizens suspect.

But is the cure worse than the poison?