The Birch He Guards

In famine-stricken Ittora, Ayse is the only one who can sense the magic in a birch that might reverse the Withering. The tree is not hers. Aiden, its grumpy and distractingly handsome guardian, refuses to let her close enough to learn whether it can save anyone.

She will not give up the chance. Dark secrets and a growing desire between them do nothing to change her purpose. Prince Seok, meanwhile, pushes for war against the Fey as a last attempt to break the famine, even as he uncovers something amiss in the rations keeping the kingdom alive.

The Withering is closing in. If they cannot reach an answer in time, hunger will consume Ittora.