In this prequel to the other books in the series, Eilian faces the distrust of neighbors who fear she is a fairy child. Since no one understands or accepts her, including her own family, Eilian decides she might be happier if she could actually run away and live with the fairies. The truth she discovers-about herself and about the fairies-is not what she expected, but it leads her into a new acceptance of herself and the world in which she lives.