Lakkena of Arden, daughter and Heir of the Queen’s Chancellor, had a perfect life.

Until one act of revenge changed everything.

When her father oversees the conviction of a Nefarious Magic wielder, Lakkena is the one who pays the price, barely surviving a mysterious acid-like poison. Three years later, she still suffers painful sores and scars on her face. She hides behind a veil, goes through the motions of her apprenticeship, and represses her grief as her former lover falls for someone else.

On the night of the Moon Festival ball, Lakkena’s monotonous routine is interrupted by a charming, handsome stranger. She gives in to a mesmerizing dance but refuses his offer to linger further, mistrusting his brazen interest and heart-melting grin. Her instincts prove right when he breaks into her room. With his rapier at her throat, she has no choice but to comply with his demands.

Kidnapped for her blood. Blackmailed into a marriage alliance. Lakkena must navigate a complex web of politics and conspiracies across the United Continent. If she can unveil the truth about magic, she might finally heal her scars—and her heart.

Perfect for readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers and slow-burn romantic tension set in a diverse fantasy world with political scheming and forbidden magic.