Earthquakes ravage Eldion, leaving famine and rumors of undying monsters. The Cult of Redeemers welcomes the disasters and heralds the end of days. In the city of Belrou, Demiana Emberhart is doing everything she can to escape her noble obligations. Born without the magic that defines her bloodline, she is determined to forge her own path-and it leads to the Golden Order. Richard is a Malorian-and worse, a Faithful-marked by a sinister god. Sent on a mission that could alter the fate of his dying race, he stumbles upon a puzzle he can't solve. When answers elude him, he convinces Exar-a rival Faithful and, unfortunately, his partner-to detour in the nearest city. Gideon Tormund, a former mercenary of noble blood, wants to repay his debts and stay out of politics. But a life-changing offer forces him to reconsider-one that ties him to the very institution he despises. To secure the prestigious role of Combat Instructor at the Order's Academy, he must agree to an arranged marriage. The escape of a Redeemer from prison sets Demiana in motion: she must catch him, since it's her only chance to prove the disasters are man-made. As the odds of success shrink by the hour, she forges an alliance with two strangers-mysterious traveling researchers desperate to find a very specific temple. When their journey leads into forbidden ruins, ancient forces awaken-hidden and forgotten, but deadly and inevitable nonetheless. Blood spills, and Demiana learns too late that her allies are not what they seem.
A Malorian will entice her, drawing her toward a path of ruin.
An instructor will protect her-even if it means pushing her beyond her limits.
The Golden Order will test her. But passing their trials may not be enough to survive.
When truth becomes poison and loyalty demands blood, Demiana must choose: uphold her humanity and fail... or cross the line and embrace the unknown. For fans of dark fantasy, morally grey heroes, slow-burn tension, and high-stakes intrigue.