Opal, our protagonist, struggles with the burden of her family's past, particularly the whispers surrounding the ill-omened Starling House. The house, a looming presence in her life, becomes a symbol of this weight, representing both a potential escape from poverty and a descent into a dark and possibly dangerous history. As Opal uncovers the truth about Starling House and her ancestors, she must decide whether to embrace or reject the legacy that binds her.

Abandoned by her mother and burdened with a troubled brother, Opal yearns for a place to belong. Despite its sinister reputation, Starling House offers a peculiar kind of solace, drawing her in with its mysteries and its enigmatic owner, Arthur. The house, a space of both beauty and decay, mirrors Opal's own sense of displacement and becomes a stage for her to confront her past and build a future.

Harrow weaves a world where enchantment and danger are intricately intertwined. Starling House, with its Gothic architecture and whispering secrets, embodies this duality. It holds both terrifying powers and the potential for healing and growth. Similarly, Arthur, the house's last heir, is shrouded in an aura of both allure and danger. This constant interplay between light and shadow creates a sense of suspense and wonder, urging readers to question whether true beauty can exist without a touch of darkness.