The Secret of Moonacre

Maria inherits the Ancient Chronicles after her father's death and reads about the Moon Princess receiving magical pearls. The legend warns that two greedy families would bring darkness to Moonacre Valley unless a pure heart acts to heal it. This discovery sets her on a quest to learn the truth and protect her future.

Maria and her governess Miss Heliotrope travel to Moonacre Manor to live with her estranged uncle Sir Benjamin. He warns of danger and orders her to stay away from the forest and the de Noirs. The move marks the start of her separation from London life.

Sir Benjamin cautions about danger from bandits and the rival de Noir family. He instructs Maria to avoid the forest and the de Noirs to stay safe. This creates tension and foreshadows future conflicts.

While riding with her uncle, Maria hears a distressed cry and follows it into the forest. She is surrounded by bandits, including Robin de Noir, but Sir Benjamin's black dog Wrolf intimidates the attackers and saves her. The forest becomes a dangerous setting where secrets begin to surface.

While back at Moonacre Manor, Maria continues reading the Chronicles and learns that the Moon Princess's pearls are central to the curse. She discovers that the next full moon will be the 5000th, a deadline that could seal the valley's fate. These revelations heighten the sense of urgency and destiny.

Marmaduke confirms that Maria is the new Moon Princess because she can see the unicorn, a sign of rightful leadership. This revelation convinces Maria that she must act to undo the curse. She steels herself for the dangerous task ahead.

Maria learns that the de Noirs stole the casket with the pearls and that the Merryweathers hold the key to it. She resolves to recover the pearls and restore balance between the families. The mystery deepens as loyalties are tested within Moonacre.

Using the key, Maria sneaks into the de Noir fortress to confront Coeur de Noir. She offers him the key, but he reveals the casket is empty and accuses the Merryweathers of theft. She escapes, aided by Wrolf guiding her back to Moonacre Manor.

Back at the manor, Loveday reveals her past and that she was once engaged to Sir Benjamin. Maria then notices a painting of the first Moon Princess that hints at where the pearls were hidden. The family history becomes more tangled as identities and motives blur.

Maria crafts forged letters to Sir Benjamin and Loveday to lure them into a meeting and manipulates events. She also enlists Robin to help her. The plan stirs a dangerous web of deception as the possible betrayal looms.

In the forest, Maria and Robin locate the pearls in a hollow tree and escape through a secret tunnel. Coeur’s men pursue them, and Wrolf is killed in the chase. The pursuit tests loyalties and heightens the danger.

The party converges on the cliff where the curse is due to rise as the moon approaches. Sir Benjamin arrives with Digweed and Marmaduke, followed by Maria and Robin. Loveday also arrives, revealing further family rifts, but Maria realizes she must act herself to break the curse.

Maria dives into the sea with the pearls, hoping to break the curse, and emerges on the back of a white unicorn as a massive wave descends. A revived Wrolf returns as the black lion, signaling restored order. The moment marks the culmination of her pure-heart resolve.

The curse is lifted and Moonacre Valley is restored as the Merryweathers and de Noirs reconcile. Miss Heliotrope arrives to witness the end of the long feud. The valley's peace returns as family ties are healed and unity prevails.