She was a queen for a single night... and a captive by dawn. On the eve of her marriage, Selene's world was ablaze with joy, love, and hope for the future. But when a brutal ambush shatters her kingdom, she is torn from her crown and thrown in chains at the feet of her husband's killer. Kalen Arathis-ruthless conqueror, feared by kings, a beast on the battlefield-recognizes her instantly. To him, Selene is more than another prisoner. She is a symbol of his greatest victory. A queen broken, her defiance turned into his triumph. But Selene refuses to bow. Even in captivity, her spirit burns brighter than the torches that consumed her home. Every insult, every punishment only steels her will to survive. In a palace where power is carved from cruelty, a dangerous game begins between conqueror and captive. Will Selene be destroyed by Kalen's darkness-or will her strength kindle something he thought long buried? A tale of love born from ashes, betrayal twisted into desire, and a queen who must decide if survival means surrender... or the courage to fight for her heart.