Every year, the world watches as the children of power enter The Trial-an arena where war is simulated to keep peace alive. Kael Virex is Valdera's cold, calculating heir. Lyra Caine is Cresenia's fierce, fiery future. Raised to hate each other. Trained to defeat. But when the rules begin to unravel, so do their loyalties. What begins as strategy turns into something forbidden. And when love becomes their rebellion... They just might burn the world that built them. © 2025 [M.LYNN]. All Rights Reserved. This is an original work of fiction. No part of this work may be copied, reproduced, translated, adapted, distributed, republished, or used for commercial or non-commercial purposes without the author's prior written permission.

Leaving California for a random family vacation was not part of Lainey's plan. Not until her parents were invited to a high school reunion in their mysterious hometown, Echoes Peak. A small mining town in the snow-covered mountains of Montana. From the moment they arrive, Lainey senses that whatever past her parents have buried all those years is starting to break through the ice. A past that the locals know more about than their own daughter. Including the arrogant rising star of the high school hockey team Billy, and his inquisitive little sister TJ, who's bursting with Echoes Peak lore. The kids of close family friends Lainey never even knew her parents had. As her mom and dad's legendary high school history unravels, Lainey discovers a tragedy that changed the town forever and questions why her parents would keep it from her. But that's not the only secret they've been hiding. When she learns the truth about why they really came to Echoes Peak, Lainey spirals, landing in an alternate universe that turns her world upside down.