Clara Reilly has been banished from her home by her half brother, Edward. Leaving nothing to chance, Edward hires in advance a deadly assassin known as "Orcus". What neither Edward or Orcus knows is that Clara is half Siren - and carries the curse of the Siren. When confronted with death, Clara learns Orcus is really Mallach Tresham - heir to the throne. She speaks his name, and Mallach's heart is snared.