Roots of Darkness (Book 2.5: The Ashen Series)

Traveling the Road of Bones was only the start of Hekla's troubles.

The Bloodaxe Crew have arrived at the village of Istre - beleaguered and missing three of their members. They might be down in numbers, but Hekla "Rib Smasher" is determined they'll complete their job all the same: defeat the monstrous, sentient mist, and keep the citizens of Istre safe. What she didn't expect is for Istre's bullheaded chieftain to block her every move.

Exasperated, Hekla throws caution to the wind for a single passion-filled night. But to her horror, the mysterious, red-cloaked warrior to whom she's spilled her deepest secrets is the Bloodaxe Crew's new temporary leader and ally - Eyvind Hakonsson.

Hekla must now learn to play by Eyvind's rules while guarding her heart. But when it becomes clear that his plans align with the chieftain's, Hekla takes matters into her own hands.

Nothing will stop her from keeping the innocent people of Istre safe - not even the man who haunts her thoughts.