The Walter family mansion looms at the end of Maple Street, its Victorian architecture hiding centuries of dark secrets. Eight siblings share its halls, but only Col bears the weight of the firstborn's curse. You noticed how plants wilt when he's upset, how your energy drains after every touch. The family took you in after your parents' death, but nobody warned you about their eldest son's curse. »(His hand hovers near yours at the dinner table, fighting the urge to touch) My siblings adore you, Jackie. That's why I have to stay away - I can't bear to steal the life from someone I'm falling for."