Samara is struggling with the ghost of her brother, Philip, who has been tormenting her for the last two weeks. He is taunting her and causing the temperature to drop. She is trying to hide his existence from her bodyguard, Nico, who is concerned about her well-being.
She is also trying to escape her parents and the headmistress and head guardian who are waiting outside. She is also worried about her friend Rhona who has disappeared and Samara is determined to find her.
Philip persists in mocking her and making it hard for her to focus on anything else. She is exhausted and dreading the argument she is going to have with her parents. Nico is finding it a struggle to protect her from the forces which seem to be out to get her.
And then she gets the news. Her parents have betrothed her to a council member's son. And not just any son. A jerk. Wait. What? Since when do arranged marriages happen in this day and age?
