The Gerstoff Woods are no place for a proper woman to live, but Ailénor Deniaud has not been proper or right for some time. Stripped of nearly everything after the death of her husband, Lord Renaldeen Trauston, Ailénor starts a new life for herself on the edge of the dark forest and away from the judging eyes of Krágen's citizens. Winter approaches, and Ailénor struggles everyday against the elements and her own sorrow, while those who helped put her in her new life still walk the city streets with heads held high. But when a dark beast of the woods arrives in her clearing and sets its sight on her, Ailénor may just find the chance for survival and love... And revenge on those who hurt her the most.