Before...As the Fairest One of Vallenthar, Aelwyd commands formidable power. Years of battle honed her into a fearsome warrior who never falters in front of an enemy.However, there are shadows that when they come, they can swallow you whole.After a hundred years of praying against it, the minute she walks into the chilling scene of death in front of her, she knows her personal nightmare is back.He nearly destroyed her once, but she isn't a victim anymore. This time, she will stop him, or she will die trying.Now...Dalbran knows nothing of friends, joy, or mischief. The orphaned ward of a ruthless warrior woman, his days are filled with battle, pain and exhaustion; savage teachings of how to survive in their harsh world. Nights used to be his only solace. But now something lurks in the shadows of sleep, clawing at him the moment his eyes close. He tells himself it's okay, that he can handle it. However daunting the voices may be, however cold the hand that chokes him in the darkness, as long as it stays within the nightmare, everything will be all right.As long as it stays within the nightmare...