Life for Sasha isn't getting easier. She has survived run-in's with monstrous Dulcha, lived through an abduction, and even made it passed Charles' constant badgering for sex. But if she thought the hurdles of this new life were behind her, she was dead wrong. When the Regional comes to visit Stefan's clan, the pressure increases. Sasha finds herself on a giant scale, assessed for her magic and held in the balance. If she doesn't have the magic Stefan hopes, she could find herself on the street while still in grave danger. Even with a favorable outcome, however, her inability to use her magic presents a road block not easily crossed. No, life is not getting easier. Stefan feels the heat, too. He must finally declare a mate, and admitting his desire for a human is the worst form of taboo. He could jeopardize not only his place as leader, but his and Sasha's life. His decision is like walking on a razor's edge.