The Kingdom of Blunder is plagued by a mist-induced fever that bestows magic to its hosts. This dark magic finds its way to Elspeth Spindle, who must hide her fever to avoid being hunted down by the King. But every magic comes with a price. That price for Elspeth is a mercurial spirt trapped in her head, who she calls the Nightmare. He protects her, but is slowly taking over her mind. Scarlet magic simmers within her as Elspeth desperately searches for a cure before it’s too late.