Jilene is different. Her unique ability to communicate with animals sets her apart from the pragmatic people of her homeworld Daecor. All her life she has been forced to hide her gift, to disguise her true self. But everything is about to change. She meets Rayell, who appears to be an animal, but is in reality a kidnapped sentient from another world. Jilene rescues Rayell. Joined by Hirel, a member of an elite troubleshooting organization, they escape their pursuers only to find themselves trapped on the Emerald PlainThe Plain, a highly restricted zone forbidden to outsiders, has dangers of its own, including werecats and Wanderfolk, the fierce itinerant inhabitants. All is not well on the Emerald Plain. There has been a disturbance in the pattern of things. The Wanderfolk need help --- help only Jilene and Rayell can provide.In trying to help Rayell and the Wanderfolk, Jilene will need to call upon every scrap of courage she possesses. She will have to learn to trust in herself and in others. Ultimately, she will have to die to her past to save her future and the future of those she loves.