Evil comes from a Demon who disappeared long ago and left behind fragments of itself that twist and poison the world. Every wicked deed you’ve ever known, every time the worst of humanity has come to the surface, it’s because of demonic energy. Without the Custodians it’d be so much worse. From a young age Louis was told who he should be. He’s a Custodian and he’s meant to protect humanity from the spread of infection. He’s supposed to be a hero; but for the last fourteen months he’s been stuck in a tiny little town where nothing happens and no one needs him.

In the village of Heulensee, Ilse Odenwald dreams of being afraid. Because in Heulensee, fearfulness is next to godliness. A monstrous forest borders the village – the Hexenwald. Its horrors attack every time the sky turns blood-red. The townsfolk’s only defence comes from the gruesome, ancient Saint of Fear, who demands the women and girls offer up their terror in return for its protection. Born without the ability to feel fear, Ilse is an outsider. As hard as she tries, she cannot bring forth the dread that the Saint of Fear demands.