The Bohrean Empire is inhabited by dual-entity beings: a cognate (think human) form--that interacts with other cognates in daily life--paired with an animal alter-being that, although in communication with its cognate, needs to be controlled to prevent its animal presence in cognate-governed society. Once a righteous monarchy with the usual predator/prey issues between cognates, the empire is now deeply divided by prejudices fueled from the crimson Khedive currently occupying the throne. The unknown yet powerful empress and her cognate find themselves inexplicably drawn toward the preeminent heir to that throne. But is that attraction worth risking both themselves and all the blood-bornes in the Empire? Or is hidden a state that should remain their refuge for life?