Mary Gaines is uprooted when her family moves to a desolate mountain region in Arkansas. After only three days at her new home, Mary's father is called away to a gruesome murder scene, and she soon discovers the valley holds many dark secrets, but she guards an even darker one—a secret that leaves her clinging to sanity every day of her young life.

The discovery of a gunrunning and drug smuggling operation involving powerful political figures leaves Mary fearing for her life. When a close neighbor is murdered because of his connection to the drug cartel, Mary wonders if she'll survive in this wild, unfamiliar place. Thankfully, she finds a ray of hope in new student, Darius.

Darius is a pro surfer from California. The two form a quick bond, and Darius invites Mary to accompany him on a trip to Huntington Beach for the Ocean Pacific World Pro surfer's contest. A getaway is just what she needs ... or is it? When she finds herself in the middle of a violent riot, Mary is left even more disillusioned and struggles to fight the darkness inside her.