Emmeline knows shes not supposed to explore the woods outside her settlement. The enemy that wiped out half her people lurks there, attacking at night and keeping them isolated in an unfamiliar land with merciless winters. Living with the shame of her grandmothers insubordination, Emmeline has learned to keep her head down and her quick tongue silent.
When the settlement leader asks for her hand in marriage, its an opportunity for Emmeline to wash the family slate cleaneven if she has eyes for another. But before shes forced into an impossible decision, her dreams urge her into the woods, where she uncovers a secret that someone in the village will kill to protect. Her grandmother followed the same path and paid the price. If Emmeline isnt careful, she will be next.