She will teach them the meaning of fear-it will be the last thing they learn.Michiko Nakatomi-an ancient vampire and leader of the Dark Council-is missing. After she gave up control of the blood blades-weapons designed to destroy supernaturals-the Dark Council challenged Michiko's leadership...and her right to exist.Rising tensions within the alliance of vampires, mages, and weres are threatening to tear the Dark Council apart. Some within the Council feel it's time for supernaturals to step out of the shadows and take what's rightfully theirs by invoking the Blood Protocol-an ancient ritual created to eliminate mankind.Alone, Michiko must face overwhelming odds, bitter betrayals, and unrelenting assassins to prevent the Dark Council from plunging the world into another Supernatural War-one that could destroy them all.