England, 1815: Ian Rufford was captured, enslaved, and then
abandoned in the lonely dunes of Egypt's desert. His
tormentor was a woman of magnificent beauty...and the
blackest of souls. Now, Ian prays for a death that will not
come. Only after his rescue does he begin to realize how he
has changed. But he understands very little. Just that he is
carrying something strange in his blood known only as "The
Companion."
Elizabeth Rochewell's home was Egypt. After her father's
death, however, she is being sent home to live a
conventional life in London. On board ship, she finds
herself drawn to her mysterious traveling companion, Ian
Rufford. He awakens feelings in her that disturb and
tantalize her senses. But he hides a shocking secret that
Beth can only begin to unravel.