The Countess Luchia de Sarracenia comes from a long line of very powerful vampires. She is accustomed to getting her way. Her greatest wish, however, has always eluded her - the ability to see her own face. She hires artist after artist to paint her portrait. But when they fail to capture her perceived ethereal beauty, the consequences are dire.

Enter Venus Faucher. Coming from humble beginnings, she has spent her life trying to make a name for herself as a woman painter in a world which underestimates her. She believes that she may have found her security with the Countess as a patron. However, the more time she spends with Sarracenia, the more Venus realizes the cost which comes from pleasing a vampire.