Synopsis: This story takes place before All That Bleeds. Investigative reporter Kate Devane has won a Pulitzer prize -- thanks in part to the inspiration given her by muse Alissa North. But muses are not the only supernatural beings in her world -- the vampires are dead, but they've left behind the part-vampire ventala, and then there are the angels, fallen angels, and demons. Kate has been dreaming of a mysterious man since she found an ancient ring years ago. Now he turns up -- without a memory, but obviously with some unusual powers. What is he, and why are they linked together? We get a glimpse of Alissa & Merrick's backstory in this novella.