When Heppson refuses to murder his half brother at his witch-mother's command, he flees into a desert and becomes Bear—a seasonal Guardian of the forest, man by night and beast by day. Meanwhile, Heart watches her beloved sister Lark cursed into a lark by a young witch. Following feathers and seeking magical Guardians, Heart crosses paths with Bear, and together they journey to confront the witch, save those they love, and discover what freedom and sacrifice truly cost. A haunting reimagining of the Grimm 'Bearskin' tale where love, not violence, breaks the curse Perfect for a teen or adult reader who loves lyrical, character-driven fairy-tale retellings like those of Shannon Hale or Robin McKinley and enjoys clean romance with emotional depth.