An enchanting fantasy romance inspired by Rumpelstiltskin . . . All Elaine Westover ever wanted was to be left alone. A shy but brilliant artist, her only desire is to paint in peace, but when she is forced to accept a commission in order to save her family home, she must confront a client as villainous as he is rich. After a chilling encounter reveals his twisted ambitions, he imprisons her and threatens to destroy everything she loves unless she meets his demands. Held captive in a house haunted by tragedy and despair, Elaine fears that neither her courage nor her skill can save her from a dark and terrifying fate. To defeat her captor and win back her freedom, Elaine must accept the aid of an enigmatic stranger, who may be hiding his own reasons for wanting her to stay.