Shadow of fear: When Challys Winthrop promises her dying mother to take care of her little brother, Ty, she knows it means keeping him away from her demented stepfather. But in order to do so, she is forced to go against her guileless nature and devise an elaborate plan to kidnap the child. Through it all, a shadow of fear follows her. Will she ever be free of her stepfather's hold on her and Ty? Perilous bargain: This tale of love and intrigue is set in the misty cliffs of Ireland where Oriel finds herself in remote castle where she discerns that she has a mysterious enemy-- as well as growing romantic feelings which leave her troubled in spirit.