In a decades long war against The Ravening, the front lines of Hestervale's defense are under the care of Donatella Hickory. A dragon veterinarian and former war medic, Donnie has sworn that no dragon will ever die on her watch, not since her own dragon was killed in combat. So when she accidentally bonds with a baby Dragonet, she is determined to keep it a secret and break the bond before anyone knows. Unfortunately, a misbehaving baby dragon can't stay hidden for long.

When the Major General of the Dragonsguard learns of Donnie's deception, Donnie is pulled off vet duty and forced to solve her little dragon problem with the help of Dragonsguard's new training officer: August Branwen, Donnie's former lover - the man she blames for her dragon's death. Donnie is desperate to go back to her solitary life, but when the dragons begin to fall ill, one by one, she must confront her fears and rely on August and her new dragon to solve the mystery of the affliction, save the Dragonsguard, and protect Hestervale from a threat far greater than the Ravening.