The Nachhaltig have lived among ordinary humans for centuries, but an ancient grudge has driven them to the brink of extinction. Though the Cotiere have been brought back together, old traditions still lurk between families, stealing hope and threatening to tear it apart again. Despite the crippling pain that increases every day, Alexander enjoys a life that would be the envy of many. But there is one thing his money can't buy - the trust of the beautiful and elusive Jessi whose slightest touch promises an end to his pain. But Jessi finds no comfort in discovering Alexander is her intended, because the Alexander she knows is no one she wants to be bound to for the rest of her life. But with her own pain growing, and rumors of Alexander's drastic change of heart, Jessi must learn to trust him to help her through the consequences when reality exposes the web of deception surrounding them.