The story begins with a wizard, Harry Dresden, being approached by Monica Sells who wants him to investigate the disappearance of her husband, Victor Sells. At the same time, Dresden is approached by Lieutenant Karrin Murphy, who suspects he is behind the murder of two people who have had their hearts ripped out by magic. Warden Morgan is also suspicious of Dresden as he is a well-known magician who has the ability to cast spells of such calibre.
Dresden investigates this and finds that, Victor Seller has been selling "ThreeEye", a drug that allows the user to obtain Wizards Sight and give them the ability to cast magic temporarily. However, the drug eventually sends them insane. Victor has been manufacturing the drug so he can force mob boss Johnny Marcone out of his territory by using spells to get rid of his rivals and stop the drug trade that Macone is known for.
However, when Dresden tries to stop him, he turns on him and attacks. Victor conjures scorpions and demons to kill Dresden but Dresden is far more skilled and brings him down. Dresden is stuck in the burning house and the Warden manages to save him just in time. The Warden testifies to Dresden’s innocence to the White Council.
