Trapped under the shadow of her cruel father since her mother's death, Eleanor Godfrey longs for freedom. Facing an arranged marriage to a Knight of Armathwaite for her father's gain, she makes a daring escape into the dark woods.

Alone and frightened, she's discovered by Ranald Dunbar—one of her would-be suitors. But Ranald isn't the man she expected. Kind-hearted and undeniably attractive, he ignites a spark she never thought possible. Yet destiny pulls them apart: Ranald is to marry another, and Eleanor seeks refuge in a monastery.

As danger looms and her past threatens to consume her, Ranald is faced with an agonizing choice. Will he risk everything to save Eleanor, or will the cost of love be too high?