Marcella Lothaire is a mersinos, looking for work. When she stumbles upon the ancient town of Atavis, she discovers a violent witch has been sending her beasts to attack the town each night. Marcella sees the opportunity in this vile bloodshed and pays a visit to the local leader, a cruel and greedy man who will pay her a hefty sum to dispatch the witch. The promise of gold and danger is all the mersinos needs to hear. She has burned many bridges to gather the wealth she needs to go home again with her head held high, but the witch will not be claimed easily. Will Marcella claim her bounty, or be devoured by the witch of the ruins?