The story takes place near Lisbon, in the mid-16th century. Bela, an adopted young man, tries to find his place in a family that is free, but trapped in a world where each shadow allows imperfections to shine through.

Summer 1583. Obsessed with securing an heir, a wealthy merchant drives his young wife, Isabelle, to the brink. Charlotte, his maid, decides to act. In the shadow of the grand house, the servants begin to organize in secret.