The eldest son of the Cwylld rulers, Cadlyr hates being part of a notoriously war-hungry tribe reviled by everyone. Cadlyr knows there is no way to escape the cycle of violence that is to be his life, so when he meets his other half at his first elven gathering, he is delighted. Cadlyr can now make plans to leave the Cwylld and gain a fresh start. Observing the tradition of their people, he agrees to be mated the following day. But Cadlyr has no idea...