After birthing the embodiment of the powerful entity Lasher, Rowan Mayfair's power is elevated by her "son" while he is also threatening her existence. She becomes convinced she needs to protect the family from his mortal form, while another branch of the family in Scotland is preparing for Lasher to escort them to a new era of power, and Cip finds himself re-involved with the Talamasca who also have an interest in keeping Lasher contained.