Mara's always had to be tough. She lives in the town orphanage with Sara, her best friend, and there's no room for being a pushover when you're the bottom rung of the social ladder. Her crush, Eric, probably doesn't realize she exists. More like he's too afraid of her to strike up a conversation. But now that she's finally drawn Eric's attention, strange and scary things are happening to Mara and they're right out of a fairy tale. A teacher's tie nearly chokes him to death and classmates turn into donkeys...and it seems all this dark magic is aimed at Mara. Worse, she's been having a nightmare about a very red and dangerous apple. Someone's trying to keep her away from Eric at all costs—someone jealous. Could Sara be trying to eliminate her? Mara must get to the bottom of this fairy tale nightmare if she is to survive and get her prince. And she might not be able to hold onto her tough act—or her life—much longer.