As the bastard daughter of an orc chief, Thugari is nothing more than a slave. After her last beating, disguising herself as a stable boy, she escapes, stealing as she runs. Unfortunately, her victim is the orc Rukk Knaraugh, a lawbringer from the Council.

When Rukk finds her, she tries to run, fearing for her life, but he's skilled in tracking her. Claiming she is in his debt, he takes her with him, heading north as he hunts wild witches stealing babies. He agrees to release her from the debt in the dwarven city of Dussoum, where, for her, magicless people are welcome. Yet, he fascinates her, awakening something addictive within her along with the claim that she's not without magical powers.

In the sinister Chaosthane Mountains circling Dussoum, it is not shelter she finds. Despite discovering the reason behind the stolen babies, a magic blossoms within her as does her love for a lawbringer.