She was his chance for redemption.

He was her key to freedom.

Prince Ramiel Faundor is a bastard. His entire existence is the second best-kept secret in a kingdom built on blurred lines. But when his dragon-slaying brother dies in battle, Ramiel must stand in his place in the kingdom's coronation duel. There's just one problem: thanks to the king's intimidation, no noble or soldier dares to train him.

Ether Malaphon is a cutthroat elven warrior. Her hatred for humanity is etched into her soul, second only to her resentment for the fairies who killed her parents. Her world unravels when she's dragged from her village to be sacrificed to a long-dead monarch. But fate intervenes when a certain desperate prince strikes a bargain that might save her life. If he rescues her, she must agree to train him for his duel.

As time runs out and enemies close in, Ramiel and Ether must navigate dark curses, buried secrets, and a history determined to repeat itself. But in a kingdom shaped by betrayal, victory may come at the ultimate cost.