Little Bear has just turned 14when his grandfather, the spiritual leader of their tribe, sends him to the sacred caves to collect a jar of red ochre for a special ceremony. All was going well. Little Bear was almost back to the village when he hears something following him across the desert. Turning around, he sees a large man shaped beast with glowing red eyes. And it is hunting him. Little Bear runs, but it is much faster than he is. It mauls the boy and bites him. He wakes up the next morning only to be told that he is now among the cursed, and must leave his home forever. On the next full moon, Little bear becomes a wolf, but unlike any other. He is not a mindless beast like the one who bit him. His mind is his own. This sets off a string of events that bring him both joy and sorrow.