For Aurea Belle Shepard, everything she's ever wanted has always been right in front of her. At seventeen, she decides to leave her hometown to get away from her abusive foster father and oblivious foster mother. Her freedom from them is worth leaving everything behind--except her best friend, Prentice.

Prentice has been Aurea's rider and protector since they became friends, so when she returns to their hometown, Prentice tries to reconnect and create those roles for himself all over again. Things are different now. Aurea has changed, her circumstances have changed, and so has her need for him. But there's one thing that hasn't changed and never will--their love for each other. A trip home to say goodbye for Aurea turns into the opportunity to have the life and love she's always wanted.