When a wealthy family arrives in a tiny village in South Ungerland, Dallin Upchurch is smitten with their beautiful daughter, Esther. Her gentle face and fiery red hair fill him with a longing he's never felt before. But he is a lowly wheelwright, and well below her station in life. 
But Esther returns his affections, and theirs is a love that transcends all of society's rules. They plan to run away together, but are thwarted when Dallin is forced into service against the threat of vampires. When he is bitten and left for dead, his only thought is to get to his home, and his sweet Esther. 
But can her love heal his wounds? And will he be able to resist the bloodthirst raging inside him and protect his one true love from harm; even if it's from himself?
*** Standalone short story, no cliffhangers. ***