In a valley lost somewhere in the Central American jungles lies an ancient Aztec civilization sealed off from the outside world. 21 years old, rebellious, Chimal wants desperately to escape. The cruel gods and priests who rule this inbred community with despotic laws perpetrate a life of fear and frenzy.

Coatlicue the Dreadful walks the river at night in search of taboo-breakers. One glance at her twin serpent-heads instantly kills the beholder, sending him straight to the underworld. Citlallatonac, the fearful First Priest, performs delicate operations on anyone believed to be possessed by the gods - sacrificial operations, that is.

If Chimal escapes, will the world outside be even more of a nightmare?