Peace in the territory of Moray is tenuous at best, and its women know that bored men are often the most dangerous of beasts. Born into a loving and idyllic home in the northern reaches of what would one day become Scotland, Gruoch is sheltered from the reality and dangers of living in such remote lands. Yet as the shadow of treachery and war sweep away the remnants of the innocent girl, and the spark of rebellion is lit by the rakish warrior known as Mac Bethad, what is left of the woman shall step out of the embers and engulf her world in flame.