As the edge of winter slices through fall, Josie Bates and Archer reluctantly abandon a trail that has gone cold in their search for Hannah Sheraton and Billy Zuni, teenagers on the run from the law that can't guarantee their safety. Determined to stay one step ahead of the authorities who want Billy back and a blood feud that will only be satisfied when he is dead, Hannah and Billy head north. There they will hunker down in the darkest corner of earth they can find and wait for the danger to pass.
Though the journey is treacherous, they finally find themselves isolated, safe, and as far from Hermosa Beach as they can get. But Hannah's relief is short lived. When the perpetual winter dark turns to inky black, they realize they've taken refuge in hell. Now the fight in front of her and Billy is not only for their lives, but their very souls.