Not only has Giselle worked in the hot sun all day, but now Madame says she won't have the money to pay her until tomorrow – after she sells her old, grey pony, Domi, for slaughter.

Giselle is heartbroken. The thought of kind, gentle Domi being killed is too much.

But things are worse than Giselle knows. Back at home, a restavec trader is waiting. Giselle's aunt has just sold him the orphans that were forced upon her – Giselle and her little brother.

How can Giselle save Domi when she can't even save her own brother? When she can't even save herself?