After an assault leaves Frosthold's heir unconscious, Eshi turns to the powerful Freman for safety, entering a hidden pact that slowly becomes something far more dangerous. With the calculating Oliver closing in, they fight side by side. Following her husband's death, Eshi escapes to a remote frontier carrying Freman's child. He guards her from afar until an uprising forces them back into each other's lives, demanding they finally claim the love they tried to deny.