Caitlin Paine is found in the past. In a cemetery, she is fleeing from a bunch of villagers, seeking refuge in the ancient monastery of Assisi, in the Italian province of Umbria. There she learns her fate and mission: to find her father and the ancient shield of the vampires to save humanity.
But Caitlin's heart still longs for her lost love Caleb. She tries desperately to find out if he survived the journey through time. She learns that she has to go to Florence for her mission, but if she wants to follow her heart she has to go to Venice. She chooses Venice.
She is overwhelmed by what she finds. 18th century Venice is an unreal place. Men and women wear elaborate costumes and masks and celebrate an endless lavish party. She is overjoyed when she rediscovers some of her closest friends and welcomes them to her circle. She enthusiastically accompanies her to the Big Ball in Venice, the most important costume ball of the year, and hopes to find Caleb there.
But Caitlin is not the only one who can travel through time: Kyle arrives soon, and is determined to hunt and kill her once and for all. Sam also arrives in the past and is determined to save his sister before it's too late.
Caitlin searches everywhere on the ball, but cannot find any sign of Caleb. Until the last dance. She dances with a masked man who touches her heart and she is sure that it is him. But when the dance partners are exchanged, she loses sight of him again. Or not?
Caitlin finds herself torn between the two men she loves and realizes that she has to be careful with her wishes. Her joy in finding what she wants may go hand in hand with tragedy and broken hearts.
In the action-packed ending, Caitlin has to face true evil, the vampire circle of ancient Rome, one of the most powerful circles that has ever existed. To survive, she will need all of her skills. She will have to sacrifice more than ever if she wants to save those she loves ...
