"Death is a natural part of life," he said simply, leaning against the weathered tree. "It is as certain as the change of seasons, and as unforgiving as the tide. One must either wait for their time, or fight the tide itself. There is nothing as hollow as waiting to die, and I refuse to give in. Not yet." Monsters are real. The worst of them are human. Akane knows that all too well, living as a killer in the service of ancient gods, a pawn in the schemes of warlords out to rule the world by any means necessary. Imprisoned for eight hundred years, unleashed into the modern day, and nothing has changed for the man cursed to lose everything. All that's left is one final chance at a new beginning, one last trail of blood on the long road home. Fight your doom. Break your chains. Live free or die trying.

They say, 'if you love someone, fight for that love' But they also say, 'if you love that person, let her go' But for me Loving someone means pain. Why? Because when you felt that pain, it means you are love that person enough to let him hurt you. "I have a lot of reason to give up on you but it only took me one reason to stay with you. But you? What did you do? You have a lot of reasons to stay but you gave up. Just like that, you gave me up so easily." "Matthew," I called him. "No. Just go. You already lose your chance to stay with me when you left me 4 years ago." I held back my tears and walk away. Love can leave a memory that no one can steal, love can also leave a pain that no one can heal. I'm Cassidy Raleigh Ramirez, and this is my story.

For years, the faceless terror known as the Hand of Fate has been secretly manipulating the port city of Reyza for her shadowy ends. Those she favors rise in status while those who betray her are never heard from again. When the opportunity to eliminate a powerful dynasty presents itself, the Hand of Fate conspires with a sadistic diplomat who shares the king's bed. Together, they hatch a plan to assassinate their rivals. The plan is flawless-every variable calculated-except for one. On the night the Hand of Fate's hired assassin makes his move, a notorious thief is also making his. Jarle Jadien has had it with the gray-haired harpy whom he serves and succumbs to the greatest temptation of all: The Ensther estate is home to the king's betrothed and a fortune in jewels. When the risky heist takes a disastrous turn, Jarle finds himself in possession of a treasure he has no intention of keeping. Avaren Ensther is beauty and intrigue in one, and a keeper of secrets that reach far beyond Jarle's world of whiskey and disrepute. Reyza's infamous thief has had his heart stolen from under his nose, but time will tell if his sirenic temptress proves worthy. Within the city walls, a retired war-hero investigates the conspiracy and attempts to uphold justice, but his efforts may not suffice to prevent an all-out war. Too many vengeful plots have festered; too much blood spilled. As the moons reach a cataclysmic alignment, unleashing the terrible force of the tides, neither hero, criminal, nor all-powerful monarch; can escape the tendrils of fate.