Lia Weaver is a fugitive. Her family's farm has been confiscated by Farther soldiers, her sister has been reassigned to a new family in the village, and her official status is "missing." Now, Lia and a band of fugitive followers must make their home in the harsh wilderness of the Frost. Food is scarce, and hope is scarcer still as Lia tries to find information about the whereabouts of her missing Thorns friends. Just when she's almost lost all hope of rescuing them, a surprising ally steps forth with an offer that will both return her friends and expel the Farthers from the Frost in exchange for something precious. Now, Lia must make a choice.