Hundreds of years ago, the kingdom of Arden was captured by southerners. Blood flowed like a river until the rulers reached an agreement: the bastard prince Randall would become Guardian of Arden. Neither the king-father nor his half-brothers have ever favored Randall, but he yearns for justice. To strengthen his position and save his brother Will from an unwanted marriage, Randall decides to marry the Princess of the North. Aurora is proud and self-willed; she has no intention of marrying a stranger or leaving her native country. A special rite of unity of souls, known in Arden since ancient times, can help Randall cement his marriage. But will Aurora agree to him if she finds out who her fiancé really is? Love, hate, intrigue and bloody rituals. In Arden the choice is simple: either salvation or a desperate step into the abyss.