Lady Isolde ruled her domain with an iron fist in a decaying castle's shadow. She had a reputation for cruelty. For good reason, people feared and reviled her. Her very presence casts a pall over her subjects, but none could deny her power. Much like her own heart, she shrouded her kingdom in darkness. In the castle, there was a young man named Elias. He was timid and soft-spoken. Elias worked there to help his family survive. Elias was young and kind, while the lady was harsh. Lady Isolde found Elias reading a book in her library one day. His earnest eyes and the vulnerability that shone through melted something inside her. She was curious about him, but soon her feelings grew deeper.

At first, Elias feared his powerful mistress. But then he saw her starting to act. She began to ask him about his life, his...