In the peaceful valley that Agnieszka calls home, life is simple among quiet villages, lush forests, and a bright shining river. But on the border looms the corrupted Wood, a place of malevolent power casting a shadow over their lives.

To keep the Wood's dark forces at bay, the people rely on the Dragon—a cold, driven wizard. His protection comes at a terrible price: every ten years, he demands one young woman to serve him, a fate almost as dreadful as being lost to the Wood itself.

As the next choosing approaches, Agnieszka fears not for herself but for her dearest friend Kasia—beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia—who everyone believes will be taken. She feels helpless, certain there's no way to save her friend.

But when the Dragon comes, he surprises them all. It's not Kasia he chooses...