Eighteen years ago, King Letsha of the Akachi sacrificed his wife in an attempt to give life to the god of magic. He learns of a prophesied end of days inexplicably linked to his newborn child, Princess Zazi.
Upon Zazi's 18th birthday, the tribes of the realm begin to gather for the wedding of King Letsha to an Uchawi princess. He learns that to save himself and his throne, he must sacrifice his daughter, who is secretly pregnant.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the Akachi soldiers are on edge. The full moon means the Chini will soon transform into were-hyenas. Princess Zazi reveals a deeper secret when the prophecy begins to unfold.
In the aftermath of a cataclysmic event, the Akachi scramble to keep the peace. Senator Jabari plots to reclaim his tribe's lands, and the princes of the Ku'ua tribe choose between war and peace.
Faced with an impossible decision and a shattering betrayal, King Letsha descends further into madness. His advisors try to reassure the council, and the Senator from Great Nziwemabwe makes his move.
The wedding preparations begin. The Ku'ua women attend the ceremony while the warriors disagree about what to do next. The Chini wrestle with their secrets after the Chini Hour, while a secret order swears to protect the princess.
Zazi discovers her powers are beginning to manifest. The Uchawi royal party is attacked while General Toka is arrested for a heinous crime. Queen Assilli plots with Nkamanzu, while the Akachi people seek answers.
General Toka is exiled and the wedding begins. King Letsha shocks his wedding guests and descends into madness. Zazi's escape plan takes shape, while the Senator prepares to seize the citadel.
Assilli plots to take over the throne. Zazi begins to explore her powers, but is captured and taken to be burnt alive. The Senator summons his warriors and his plan takes effect.
Burruti of the Chini manages to snatch Zazi's body and takes her to the Chini high priestess to be saved. The citadel is under siege, with everyone held hostage.
In the netherworld, Zazi learns the truth of her destiny, while the prophecy unfolds further. As chaos descends, the Chini flee to their Hall of Records. There, they discover Zazi can read the sacred inscription: the Blood Psalm.