How do you protect your heart when the one threatening it is also the only one who seems capable of warming it? Zelandria is a woman who learned early that warmth is something you guard, not give away freely. She moves through life refusing to be vulnerable, believing that strength means never needing anyone. She keeps people at a distance, even when loneliness settles quietly in her chest. Kieran Jace Ashworth is the opposite kind of danger, sharp-tongued, emotionally reckless, and unapologetically cruel when it comes to his own feelings. Known for treating relationships as games, he has mastered the art of detachment, convincing himself that caring is a weakness he cannot afford. Hatred is easier than honesty, and distance is safer than love. He claims to hate her, yet cannot stay away. She refuses to need him, yet finds herself constantly forced to confront him. Date Planned: November 10, 2024 Date Started: September 19, 2025 Date Completed:

This novel will be written after the completion of The Bastion of Warmth, as it continues the world and emotions introduced in the first book this time, through Kyra's own journey. While this story can be read on its own, reading The Bastion of Warmth first is highly recommended for better understanding of the characters, relationships, and events.