67 BC. Rome. Trust. Kindness. Reckless and dangerous words in Arria's inhuman world. Her master's most favored slave, Arria knows the kindest of smiles hide the most monstrous of intentions. Put to cart by her bitter, hate-filled mistress, Arria's sadistic world is uprooted and a new terror unfolds. Within Lanista Celer Marcus's estate Arria is cast adrift and she struggles to trust in herself and those around her.