The Vermonte and Temnes families harbor a hatred for each other that runs bone-deep. Clodel, a young woman from Vermonte, is forced into a sacrificial reconciliation, marrying Kaian, the powerful Duke of Temnes—the man who is supposed to be her sworn enemy.

From the start, the marriage is cold and hostile. Kaian makes it clear that Clodel is an unwanted bride, treating her with disdain and humiliation. "So you’re a bride unwelcomed by Temnes. Know your place and walk in on your own feet." Clodel, however, endures this abuse; she chose this path to protect her own starving family, fully aware of the misery that awaited her.

Slowly, despite the terrible beginning, a fragile bond begins to form between them. Kaian grows increasingly obsessed with Clodel, and she, in turn, finds a reason to live in his presence. But this shaky foundation of trust is easily shattered when the ultimate conflict arises: a child. When Kaian discovers Clodel is pregnant, his true, chilling feelings are revealed: "It’s disgusting—mixing such filthy blood. It’s not like you can split a child in half.”

Devastated by his cruel rejection of their child, Clodel realizes the relationship is irrevocably broken. Determined to protect her baby from the Duke's hatred, she chooses to leave him behind. This is a story of intense conflict, enduring love, and devastating betrayal in a high-stakes world of enemy families.