"These violent delights have violent ends, And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume." - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet "For never was a story of more woe Than this of Juliet and her Romeo." - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet As the Republic teeters on the edge of collapse, two warriors find solace in each other-despite the Jedi Code that forbids it. Their growing connection becomes a silent rebellion against an Order cracking under its own ideals. But shadows move behind the throne. The dark whispers and betrayal deepen the fractures in Anakin's heart, even as Lyra begins to question the truth behind the war she fights. On Coruscant, trust decays, alliances shift, and destinies are rewritten in blood and betrayal. When loyalty to the Jedi clashes with the call of love, the galaxy shudders. A single choice will change the fate of thousands. And as the temple burns and the Republic dies, one secret-buried deep within the Force-will survive to haunt a future none can yet imagine. The darkness has risen. But not all is lost. Not yet.

"...He resisted the urge to laugh bitterly. As if there was anything left to fix. The damage was done. His name had been dragged through society's cruel, whispering halls, and Elizabeth Kensington had delivered the final blow with a smile on her lips. He hated her..." "...And the worst part? He knew-knew-that the next time he saw her, she'd be smirking, triumphant, utterly insufferable. And he would hate her all over again." ~*~*~* In the dazzling world of modern aristocracy, where wealth and legacy reign supreme, Elizabeth Kensington and Anthony Bridgerton have nothing in common-except for the ironclad contract binding them in marriage. A decision made long ago by Anthony's late father now forces them into a union neither of them wants. But this isn't just an inconvenient arrangement-it's a war. Once childhood acquaintances turned bitter rivals, Anthony and Elizabeth have spent years avoiding each other, their animosity fueled by a long-standing misunderstanding neither dares to confront. But with their families watching and high society waiting for a scandal, they must play their parts to perfection-even as their shared resentment ignites into something far more dangerous. As passion and power collide, Anthony and Elizabeth will be forced to choose-fight against each other or stand together before the truth destroys them both. Enemies by circumstance. Lovers by fate. Bound by a past neither of them understands. Will they survive the fire, or will their love be A Striking Blow?

Katherine Windsor (née Arlington) returned to Mayfair with a heavy heart, her past weighing down on her like an anchor. She had once been Katherine Arlington, childhood friend and promised bride of Anthony Bridgerton. But fate had twisted their story.