Ethan Vance grew up in Master Jian's hidden monastery. Gifted with extraordinary talent, he was the master's favorite disciple, privy to his deepest secrets. Regularly healing the villagers nearby, Ethan soon reached marriageable age. Under the arrangement of Mistress Anya, Mistress Eleanor, and Mistress Isabella, Ethan descended the mountain to marry Seraphina Harrington, the eldest daughter of Lord Harrington, but she reneged on the engagement, unexpectedly bringing Ethan and Willow Sterling together.