 While on the run, Kira and Mencheres begin a relationship, which is complicated by his belief that he is soon to die whether he seeks it or not.Kira and Mencheres eventually set up a plan to expose Radjedef's corruption and put an end to the rivalry.The book ends with the death of Radjedef and Mencheres recalling that Kira's name was Celtic for "Darkness", and realizing that she was what he saw filling his future.