Jess Knight likes her freedom. Despite being in jail for about sixty-five percent of her teenage life, she is in complete control. But there's only one problem: she doesn't know her purpose. One day, everything changes. Her reputation as the youngest and most connected solo street criminal gets her noticed by the illustrious crime society known as the Maryland Mafia, who offer her the deal she literally can't refuse. That same day, Jess is arrested by a junior officer at the downtown precinct. Something about Nick Bronson transforms the way Jess sees the world and she can't let him go. But is dating a cop the wisest move for a teenage criminal about to commit the dirtiest crime there is? One thing's for sure; life as a jailbird isn't always as free as it seems. AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is one I've been writing on and off between the Rouge series, and I wanted to share it with you guys. It's a bit rough and still not completely finished, but I felt guilty for delaying Consuming Fire. What's it really about? Think Veronica Mars and the PCH Bikers, only instead of following the law, Jess breaks it. Cover by Isabella Modra

The world as we know it ended 209 years ago. From a desert wasteland springs a single kingdom, ruled by a tyrannical King and trapped in an endless war against the shadowy desert warriors. As a desperate bid to save what remains of humanity, society has been split into two distinct classes, nicknamed the Court and the Commons. For an oppressed population on the brink of revolution, a common thief could be the last hope. Up until now, Kay has survived by her wits alone. Reckless and impulsive, wanted by the King's guard, Kay has become known as the Runner. Using the city's rooftops as her personal domain, she manages to keep one step ahead of the King with one hand buried in the purses of the courtiers. Driven by the plight of the commoners and the unjust death of her family, Kay seizes the chance to graduate from small-time thievery to full-scale rebellion. Her opportunity comes in the form of Will, a wealthy ex-soldier with a dark past. Plucked from the streets and thrown into the shimmering palace court, Kay must use her every strength to blend into a world where she doesn't belong, closer to the enemy than she ever thought she would be.