A folk monster horror romance novella for fans of Meg Smitherman's Swallow, Fervor, and Keri Lake's Anathema.
Every five years, the god of life demands his tithe.
A bride.
A beloved for the eternal spring.
An end to winter's grasp on Belagora.
Senka was raised watching the solemn parade to the altar, the maiden in red laying herself down in supplication. In submission.
But when blue hyacinth blooms in the snow outside Senka's home, she knows she's next. Defying the god's call means dooming Belagora to eternal winter, and in a village built on faith, the roots of fear run deep.
Don't ask questions. Obey. Revere. All prices Senka is unwilling to pay.
But as the god's hold on Senka tightens, the line between desire and dread cuts paper thin. A wicked hunger blooms inside her, threatening everything she's ever believed about herself.
But Senka made a promise.
She will not submit-not even to a ravening god.