{Rivals to Allies to Lovers to Enemies} The Veil between the known world and Tefstalia is crumbling, threatening to swallow both realities. To stem the threat, six "chosen ones" are summoned to become Protectors. When the mage Alayna names them, each accepts the elusive invitation, finding a foothold upon which to claim their right to exist. While Katherine sharpens her ambition to trace the secrets of a shattered past through blood, Ryen uses insolence as a shield to keep from being crushed by the destiny of his own lineage. Meanwhile, Sophie dissolves into the needs of others for fear of finding herself empty, Pyter rides his gift to rebuild a fallen house, Diana demands the retribution the world owes her, and Braiden discovers, with horror, that the Beast he hunts already inhabits his reflection. Bonds, they are told, are a gift. They make you stronger. Bonds, it is left unsaid, are also a curse. They make them pawns long before they make them heroes. When the six discover that whoever controls the pendants also controls the Veil, alliances crumble and the Protectors become expendable. None of them are willing to be used. Even if it means destroying Tefstalia. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ANY TOTAL OR PARTIAL REPRODUCTION IS PUNISHABLE BY LAW. Copyright © 2026 by M. A. SCARLATT