Derica drifts through a satisfactory, if stagnant, existence in the small farming town of Arlan after her mother's passing-until a night of fire and revelation prompts her to venture into the larger world. Danger, intrigue, and temptation wait for her. Beings suffering a mysterious soul affliction haunt Derica's journey. Justus, a gruff, enigmatic mercenary commander, draws her like a flame but he struggles against their attraction. Secrets swirl around the pair as their past and present tangle. He struggles to forgive and forget what lays behind him. Strange illness and shadowy figures keep thrusting them together. They dance on the edge of a dagger-one misstep from falling. As their pasts are exposed, and danger circles, their hearts are revealed. Fate has far more in store for Derica and the commander than she realizes, and the truth of their relationship could change their world forever.