My mother used to warn me about the dangers lurking in the dark, but never about the one with inky eyes and a heart.    Seryung was running for her life because of something she said. Hunted by powerful people as a web of lies drew tighter around her, she was desperate, helpless, and very afraid.

"According to royal decree, Kim Jongin, slave of the exiled Minister Lee's household, is sentenced to death for the murder of noblewoman Choi Jinri and treason against Joseon, its people, and the king. He will hang at the king's pleasure."    The first snow had fallen; the bitter snap in the wind indicated a harsh winter.