It isn't easy keeping secrets in a community as small as New Eden, but Rodelle has carefully guarded hers from even her closest friends. What she did to keep herself safe in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake must never be revealed, despite the guilt that constantly plagues her about what she had to do to survive.

Brandon is glad to finally be living a slower-paced life planetside with his fellow cyborgs, content to spend his time perfecting recipes and forgetting about his cybernetic side. Sharing a home with Rodelle is an added bonus—she's kind, sweet, and beautiful, with a sadness in her eyes that his homemade doughnuts can't take away.

A trip to New Eden's unexplored north might be what Rodelle needs to revive her spirit while bringing her and Brandon closer together. But will he still look at her like she's the best thing to ever happen to him when she reveals what she's been hiding for so long?