Accused of witchery, Lady Elisande Cadby must submit to the Rite of Purification before wedding Baron Warford the Brutal. On the eve of her union, she flees Cadby Hall armed with an arsenal of Pagan-rooted curatives and her ever-present comfort-stone. With grudging assistance from a formidable chieftain who unsettles her senses, she embarks on a harrowing escape across the Borders in search of sanctuary. Chieftain Aeden Maxwell would rather bed down with the hounds than concede he is enchanted by Elisande's caramel-colored locks and feisty manner. After all, she is intended for his volatile older brother. Besides, Elisande's unusual ideas and strange convictions are dangerous and he doesn't need more trouble. Once ensconced at Caeverlark Castle, Elisande is confronted by Aeden's mistress, who spies on Elisande during a spirit cleansing ritual. Within days word of Elisande's odd practices and peculiar beliefs cause a divide in the clan. Once more, accusations of witchery abound. However, Elisande has other worries to consider. With Aeden's brother trying to force himself on her, a brutal killer hiding in plain sight intent upon Aeden's death, and a disturbing truth behind a long-buried secret about to come to light, Elisande must dispel rumors and gain the clan's trust before jealousy and betrayal destroy the man she loves. Sensuality Level: Sensual