Young assassin Rapunzel is the most powerful absorbent mage alive, so strong she can drain the life of a grown man with a single brush of her finger. But the power means little when her every move is controlled by her mistress. For twelve long years, Rapunzel has known nothing beyond a mightmarish life of captivity, murder, and failed escape attempts. She spends her days locked away in a tower, dreaming of a different life, and her nights in the city, forced to use her terrible power for her mistress' political ambitions. Then a mysterious foreigner climbs into her tower seeking refuge. He should be terrified of Rapunzel, but he wants to help set her free. What kind of madman would ever want to help someone like Rapunzel? And who is she, really? A woman, or a killer? -- Back cover.