In one day, Dylan's whole life was destroyed. In one night, he may have found the beginnings of a new one.

Still grappling with the loss of his home, Dylan has no choice but to head for Wintervale. His one solace is in travelling the same direction taken by the enemy. But the truth behind the attack on the spellster tower suggests things aren't as clear-cut and the enemy may well be closer than they thought.

Crossing the kingdom also means remaining in the presence of Tracker, the King's Hound who Dylan's repressed desire refuses to let out of his head. The man's gentle protectiveness, coupled with his flirting, certainly doesn't help. It taunts him with ideas of the night they shared in the tower becoming something more, a thought that is no less ridiculous than remaining unleashed.

After all, it's a hound's job to escort or kill spellsters. They do not disobey orders. They do not falter. And they do not fall. Especially not in love.