The immortal Morphenkinder wolf-men are preparing for a lavish feast to celebrate the pagan festival of midwinter. Everyone is invited, including some of their own who do not wish them well. Outisde the house, the Forest Gentry shapeshift in the woods...

Reuben, bitten and turned werewolf in Anne Rice's previous book The Wolf Gift, is getting used to his new status, and must learn to control himself. However, he is struggling with mixed feelings about his girlfriend, Laura, joining the Morphenkinder. Will he still love her when she's as bloodthirsty as he is?