In the country of Praelia, citizens are separated into castes determined by birth. Shifters and humans have long become creatures of myth. Their descendants have long since evolved while keeping the qualities of each species that best ensures survival. Hope and Finn find themselves caught up in a war between society as it is, and society as they hope it will become. As they choose sides, they find that a happy ending might not be part of their story. As the reaping comes closer, Hope finds herself caught between a promise of a better life, and staying true to her morals. Will she sacrifice herself to stay with Finn, the one man that has awakened a smoldering beast inside her? Or will she let him go, knowing that he can't give her the one thing she wants more than any other.