Inside a barrow in Denmark, an ancient mystery comes to vivid, sensual life.

Archeologist Lauren Patterson is lucky to be working in her chosen field after moving halfway across the world to live with her boyfriend. But she doesn’t feel lucky when she spends cold, rainy days digging in an ancient barrow, ignored by her boyfriend except for his insistent fixation on her neck.

Though the modern world puzzles over her bones, the Bronze Age woman buried in the barrow traveled to that place beside a mysterious man who brought her tender pleasure while making her ever colder.

A connection across time brings the two women together. In each other’s arms, they find the courage to battle the chill that touches them both.

The first new story by Annabeth Leong since 2018, this dark, sensual story reimagines the archeological mystery of Egtvedpigen.