Afflicted by a centuries-old curse, a warlord slowly loses his humanity and edges toward madness. Ballard of Ketach Tor sees no escape from his doomed fate until his son arrives with a strikingly beautiful woman, who may signify his salvation. But the arrival of her elder sister brings new complications. Louvaen Duenda, determined to rescue her sister, finds herself in a castle frozen in time, grappling with dark magic, hostile sorcerers, and a deadly climbing rose. Despite the dangers, it’s the disfigured, bitter man she must overcome. Louvaen faces a critical choice: whether her love will save him or lead to his destruction. This story weaves together themes of vengeance and devotion.