In the Appalachian hills, Tess Wynne lives in precious quiet. She tends her wildlife sanctuary, honours old rituals and survives what comes for her each year. Then she finds a doe split open. And the fawn who survived. Red-mouthed. Sharp-toothed. Hungry. Nature knows what must be done. The town watches to see if Tess will do it. She does not. Whispers spread. Old bargains strain. Something feral stirs within Tess - anger, appetite, the slow understanding that prey is only prey for so long.