18 BC. Pomponia, Chief Priestess of the Vestal Order, who has seen Rome through the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire, faces her toughest crisis yet. A ruthless enemy is manipulating her from the shadows, threatening not just Pomponia but those she cares for - including the emperor himself. Worse, it seems that the gods are also against her. The Vestal Order is in an unparalleled crisis that she must answer for. Faced with threats from all directions, Pomponia must be willing to sacrifice everything to protect her status, the Order and the lives of those around her.