Caleb’s life has spiraled out of control ever since the day a stranger sank her teeth into his hand. Drifting from port to port in a haze of blood and guilt, he eventually lands in the city of Saintstown and is promptly arrested for murder. But the night before his execution, Caleb is offered both freedom and a job by the enigmatic Mr. Faulkner.

Faulkner says he can teach Caleb to control the animal raging inside him — but what must Caleb sacrifice for the guidance that Faulkner offers?