Asta thought leaving Hearthmere would lead her to freedom. Instead, it leads her into a hidden sanctuary where the creatures she loves are hunted, harried, and protected by wards strong enough to keep out most of the world-and one grim man who refuses to explain why his name terrifies everyone.
Sorren Grimholt doesn't trust easily. He keeps the Hollow running, the beasts alive, and the past buried. But Asta keeps asking questions, and every answer only raises the stakes: Why are unicorns gone? What happened at Eldehedge? And why does Sorren look at her like she might be the one thing he can't afford to lose?
When old enemies return and the sanctuary's protections begin to fail, Asta must decide whether the truth is worth the risk of loving a man shaped by ruin. Because some secrets don't stay buried-and some homes are built to survive the end of the world.