Jaren, only son and heir to the Alanyo clan head, is in love with Sanil, the daughter of one his father Darit's competitors. The couple want to marry, but Jaren has other problems besides trying to keep his and Sanil's fathers from discovering their relationship. His cousins Adnil and Gred want to ensure that they will be the ones to inherit control of the clan holdings once his aged father is dead. With the help of a criminal and a renegade mental conditioner, the cousins create an imposter within Jaren's mind. On Darit's death, the imposter will reveal that the real Jaren died years before and have a breakdown, leaving his cousins with no opposition to their takeover. The pair don't realise there are factors that will complicate their plans to eliminate Jaren and his father: that Sanil's parents may become formidable allies instead of enemies and that there is a third player in Jaren's mind. One who seeks to free them all from danger.Can Jaren and his alternates all stay sane and safe or will a briefcase full of explosives end their chances of happiness?