After surviving the war of the Parish, Adam is looking forward to a period of peace while he recovers from his injuries. No such luck. His commander is concerned about the rumours coming from Oxford and its surrounds, rumours that Father John - the only man who escaped Plymouth's grasp - is building an army, and decides to send Adam to investigate.

Upon entering Oxford, Adam meets Leonie Mellow, a member of the police force. To Adam's surprise, the city appears to be thriving, with a healthy populace and objects not seen since before The Sisters fell.

However, it does not take long before dark events follow Adam. Murders, paint-splashed graffiti on walls, people going missing - and he can't help but wonder if the past is following him.