In the far south of Teutonia lies Azamar, the City of Scales. Built in the shape of a coiled serpent and rife with exotic goods, architectural wonders, and forbidden pleasures, it is the richest trading hub in the known world.But underneath its opulent exterior, the city reels. Corrupt merchant-princes wield power as they see fit, and the Scourge - a seemingly uncatchable killer - could strike at anyone, anytime. Even agents of the Culling.Responding to a request for aid, the monster hunter Amelie finds herself investigating the killer, and the venture will take her where she isn't keen to inward. Will the revelations temper her into a better hunter or break her outright?