THE FEVER STARTED IN THE MIND. IT SETTLED IN THE BLOOD. Elara of Oakhaven knew the rules: pray, fast, and stay away from the woods. But when the Spring Fever strikes-a rare, biological heat that no prayer can cure-she is left with a terrifying choice: wait for the Vicar to strap her down, or run to the only thing that can sate the burn. THE BEAST. He is a legend. A monster of shadow and obsidian horns who guards the Blackwood. He doesn't just kill; he claims. When Elara stumbles into his territory, fever-delirious and desperate, she doesn't find death. She finds a mate. Ezra is ancient, possessive, and starving for a female to keep. He doesn't want to cure her. He wants to knot her, breed her, and keep her in his sanctuary forever. But the village isn't letting their stray lamb go without a fight. When the torches come to the tree line, Ezra will show them exactly why the forest fears him. He won't just protect what's his. He'll burn the world down to keep it. Warning: This story features consensual monster-human intimacy, knotting, and fantasy breeding themes intended for mature audiences.