Aelindra, an elven servant bound to Lord Darian, lives in a society where elves are considered dangerous and must be controlled. When an assassination attempt is made on Darian, Aelindra instinctively uses her forbidden magic to save his life, exposing her power. To prove his loyalty, Darian is forced to subject Aelindra to a public flogging, while struggling with his growing guilt and conflicting feelings for her.