The announcement of his friend, Elsbeth's betrothal, stirs a shift in Ian McRainey's feelings. He escapes to the sanctuary of the forest to keep from demanding she not marry, but instead be with him in spite of the difference in their stations. One word from him and he can claim his true identity, which will bring him more power than even her father's. But can he return to a past so harsh, that it drove him away in the first place? Elsbeth McNeil knows she must accept marriage to a laird's son. She is after all the McNeil's daughter. But the conflict in her heart begins to chip away at any resolve to do what is expected and instead follow her heart. The struggle to fully comprehend her feelings for Ian McRainey sends her into a tailspin and she takes a chance to lose everything by going after him. When the most powerful clan arrives claiming to search for the son of laird Campbell, things are set into motion that catches everyone by surprise.