An exile yearning for a home. A masked warlord fighting his destiny. A bond that could save the Ballan Desert—or destroy the world as they know it.

Keera is an exile struggling to survive, forced to rob passing travelers or face starvation. When she steals from the wrong man—a vicious masked warrior named the Viper—his hand around her throat awakens an ancient magic within her, and she uses it to escape his clutches. Now, Keera must master her power to protect the city of Kelvadan—the only place an exile like her can find a home—from the Viper and his growing army.

For years, The Viper has fought to control the magic of the desert that boils in his veins, threatening to drive him mad. He will do anything it takes to heal the broken power of the desert that shreds his sanity—even marching on the great city of Kelvadan. However, the moment he touches the exile who tried to rob him in the night, his magic calms for the first time in years. Now, he suspects the real key to healing the desert might lie with the infuriating woman who slipped through his fingers and now fights for his sworn enemies.

Dive into this enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance, perfect for fans of complicated conflicts, morally gray characters, and sizzling slow burns.