Shortlisted in Muse Awards. 2nd place in Mystery awards ( overall) and 1st place in world building. "He thought he was the hunter. He didn't know she had nothing left to lose." Trapped within the dark, looming walls of Vaelhorst Palace, Aethelgard is a captive surrounded by enemies. Her survival depends entirely on the mercy of Malakor-a ruthless, hyper-vigilant Dark Lord whose very name strikes terror across the kingdoms. Separated from everything she knows by the treacherous, ink-black waters of The Mourning Tides, escape seems completely impossible. But Malakor underestimates the girl in his shadows. Before sending her to the Dark Lord, the sinister witch known as Pale Marrow ripped away Aethelgard's emotions, leaving her completely hollow. Malakor expects a terrified prisoner, but instead, he faces a mind completely untethered by fear, panic, or mercy. As a dangerous, slow-burn game of wit and proximity unfolds between captive and captor, the lines between hatred and curiosity begin to blur. Aethelgard must use her cold, emotionless clarity to dismantle Malakor's court from the inside-before the magic fades and her feelings come rushing back. A dark fantasy romance filled with royal intrigue, psychological tension, and a toxic power dynamic that will burn down an empire.

Let's see this world more colourfully with a poet's eye.