Elowen, a widowed rabbit raising her children alone, rescues an injured panther through the rare healing power of her milk. He is Cassian Nightclaw, the ruthless ruler whose curse turns every woman's touch into unbearable fury except hers. While their forbidden connection grows, the envious fox Vesper schemes to claim Elowen's gift. After her children vanish and dark sorcery ensnares Cassian, Elowen must stand as his equal and discover that her strength reaches far beyond saving him.