There are words which change lives…forever. Andrei just wants a chance with the girl of his dreams, but he knows she's keeping a secret from him-an imperial secret, a disturbing secret, and one that will not leave Andrei and his love alone. Now he's on the run from a murderous monster, with only one chance to save himself and those he loves: hunt down the heart of the dreadful curse that has fallen on the Czar and find a way to end it for good. Followed by nine feet of animated stonework, a petrified exhibitionist, and his grandmother's sullen apprentice, he must struggle through winter's deadly chill to uncover the truth before everyone he knows is changed forever.