Amara is a slave in Pompeii; her body belongs to men she despises. But her spirit is unbroken. By day, she walks the streets with fellow sufferers, finding comfort in laughter and dreaming of a better future. Five years before the eruption of Vesuvius, the doomed city lives carefree: lavish celebrations, feasts on wealthy villas, gladiator fights. The streets of Pompeii are full of opportunities, and even a slave can catch luck by the tail. But what price will she have to pay? Amara must discover what she is willing to sacrifice for freedom.