Nearly a year after the events in Dead Beat, Warden Harry Dresden attends the trial and execution of a sixteen-year-old Korean boy for mentally controlling his friends and family.

During this investigation, he discovers that phobophages—supernatural predators from the spirit world who feed on fear—are behind the attacks, and sets out to stop them by turning them back on whoever is summoning them.

Before he can investigate, he and Officer Rawlins of the Chicago PD are taken captive by Madrigal Raith, Thomas' cousin, who has learned to feed off of fear himself.

Retreating to the sanctuary of St. Mary's, Harry confronts Molly about her use of magic, informing her that she has broken the White Council's laws and that he must take her in for trial, though he promises to stand by her.

The Merlin takes control of the votes of several absent Senior Council members and orders Molly's execution, but Harry stalls the trial with help from the Gatekeeper to allow Michael Carpenter to arrive.

They agree that an unknown group, which Harry dubs the "Black Council," has been orchestrating events from a safe distance for several years.