In tenth-century coastal Iceland, orphan weaver Runa witnesses the jealous chieftain's lady murder her closest companion Ingrid, the cherished wife of feared warrior Vidar. Before she can flee, the corrupt village elders frame Runa for the homicide, condemning her to death under Vidar's heavy execution axe. At the final heartbeat, Vidar spares her neck, claiming her as his captive hearth-wife under the decree that she bear his heir.
Forced into the home of the very warrior who believes she destroyed his happiness, Runa walks on eggshells while uncovering latent runic magic in her blood. She discovers that beneath Vidar's terrifying berserker reputation lies a gentle, deeply grieving soul. As the true murderer plots to finish them both, Runa must prove her innocence before her deadline runs out.
