Nicolaos and his partner in investigation Diotima have come home to get married. When they arrive in Athens, there's a problem waiting for them. The Sanctuary of Artemis is the ancient world's most famous school for girls. When one of the children is killed, apparently by a bear, and another girl disappears, Diotima's childhood teacher asks her to help them. Meanwhile, a skull discovered in a cave not far from the sanctuary has proven to be the remains of the last tyrant to rule Athens.