As one of very few girls in the thieving world in her city, Ara has a reputation to uphold if she wants to live-a reputation of strength, independence, and cold-heartedness. She never meant to let that reputation slip, but the more she gets to know a dangerous gang leader, the more she develops feelings that threaten her survival.

Ravin and Ara are thieves-some of the best in the city too, so naturally they hate each other. They constantly challenge each other to earn a reputation as the best in the city, and when a mysterious merchant comes to them offering gold for a heist, they have a new competition to win. But if they lose this game, they'll pay the price on the gallows pole.