Even the noblest of families can have a shameful secret in its past. With Lord Aric and Lady Alasha drawn away from Malkenstorm Castle by the plots of their enemies, their daughter Quirabel finds herself alone and facing implacable foes, both within her walls and without. Her only advantage is a secret map; her only allies, a maid and a prisoner from the castle's dungeon. And the only way she can save herself, is to enslave herself. But can she bring herself to keep the promise she's made? And will the wolfskin-cloaked warrior with the right to possess her, keep the promises he's made in turn?