This debut novel by Nita Hughes blends an ancient story of terrifying persecution with a vision of home for the world we know today.

The tale is told by a woman photographer who unexpectedly discovers information from the past about a spiritual secret, a treasure so coveted that an entire culture was massacred in an attempt to own it. Her search for answers propels the characters of this romantic thriller through time as history threatens to repeat itself.

Initially we are introduced to Clotilde and Jean de Mirepoix, devout Cathars in 13th century France. Their world of growing enlightenment is being extinguished by a reign of terror.

Clothilde and Jean seek refuge in Montsegur, a Cathar sanctuary thought to be impregnable. But their safety fades in importance as they attempt to secure the Cathar treasure, described in the archives of the Catholic Inquisition as "so powerful as to change the face of the world". Vowing to safeguard the treasure throughout time, their souls commit to return and unveil it at "world's end".

We discover that this time has come, as photographer Dana Palmer and writer Eric Taylor collaborate on a story whose secret may provide the world’s salvation - or its destruction.