The poignant bluebird of the marriage market, Isabella Eloise, was betrayed by her blindly devoted fiancé of ten years, and lost her place in the social world. The one who found her on a rainy path was none other than the rumored ghost duke.

“Until your feathers grow anew, I shall care for you,” declared the duke.

She thought she had been rescued. But it was only until she discovered his secret…

“Beloved Isabella, I’m curious to hear what sounds you’ll make when I push you to your limits,” the duke mused.

By the time she realized something was terribly wrong, it was already too late to turn back.

“Aedan Holden, you’re insane.”

“Yes, I am. But did you only just figure that out now?”

What life is there for a creature forever trapped in a cage? Such questions ring true for Isabella Heloise, illegitimate child of an abusive count who uses her as a pawn for his political ambitions. When Isabella's betrothal to an influential noble is broken off, her value within the Heloise household plummets, prompting her to flee from her father’s violence. Isabella finds herself alone and destitute, only to be found by Ethan Holden, a dashing duke with a nonetheless ominous air. Can Isabella trust the handsome duke, or has she found herself in yet another cage?