Miller Aldrun has spent his life being Cassandra, the prophet nobody believes. Born knowing when a dangerous, armed presence is nearby, Miller has always been dismissed-and had to see the people he cares about hurt. Grieving the death of a closeted lover, he finds solace cruising the waterways of Spinner'sDrift, making sure the people in the outlying islands feel safe.

When Miller discovers the weekly gathering at The Magic of Books, its members become the family he didn't know he could have. That includes Piers Constantine, who's hiding on the islands with his cousin to elude her stalker.

Golden, kind, and humble, Piers finds Miller fascinating. But Piers is destined to leave the island, and even if he's the only person who ever had faith in Miller, Miller can't bear the thought of losing someone else he loves.

Then Miller wakes up with that familiar warning in his gut. The long-ago evil that has been stalking Piers and his cousin is catching up. Miller's gift might be the only way to protect them... but he'll have to let Piers in. Together, they plunge into one of the island's oldest mysteries. For once, being Cassandra is on Miller's side. Piers and Miller conceive a desperate plan to set them free from fear-but if Miller fails, he knows nothing will be left of him but the salt-bitter sea.