RUMORS OF THE UNDEAD are becoming more real than fiction, but all Elene Harrow can think about is spending her last winter planning her arranged marriage. Caydon's frequent visits begin to stir doubt about a possible, better life. When a greater threat comes out of hiding, Caydon offers information that may save or doom the community that never accepted her. Lucan Greystone knows about loss more than anyone, and once more, he can feel the darkness closing in on the people he learned to care about. To protect them, he returns to Melodia but guards his heart against the town's heathen, as the attraction he once perceived as imaginary grows even stronger. David's unanticipated visit embarks Lucan and his friends on an impossible search, as the fabled Maiden of Darkness is said to be responsible for the unnatural disasters. The problem is where to find them, and if they exist, who do they serve?