Bianca Tauri's one desire is to be free of the life she was born into. As a princess, it would seem that she's living the dream. In reality, she's restrained by her sexist father and his despicable plans for her future. When the time comes for her to be forced into an arranged marriage to a man she's never met, Bianca takes a leap of faith and flees in the middle of the night. With a new, secret identity, Bianca heads off to chase her dreams of becoming a rider and protecting her country. What she didn't expect was how difficult life at Basgiath collage might prove to be, especially when she makes an enemy of a charismatic man who is automatically the best at everything.

Kathleen is so far, and yet so close to her home. Kathleen's secret is out and miraculously, she isn't dead. Xaden Riorson hasn't killed her, but he isn't the biggest threat to her life. Not anymore. Her past chases her every move and shadows follow her every footstep. Her newly-discovered signet might be able to get her the revenge she wants, but it isn't as easy as it sounds. As she uncovers the truth of the past, she lies to herself about the present. She's lost, tangled, and scared. Her dragon isn't exactly a big help. This is the second "book" to The Secrets We Hide from the Dark. This story is written in first person and present tense. A fanfiction based on Rebecca Yarros's novel and series Fourth Wing/Iron Flame from the Empyrean series. Most characters and the world are by Rebecca Yarros, but a couple of characters are created by me. It is recommended that you read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm before reading this, but this may also be read without reading those books. Some theories might be incorrect and not align with the Empyrean Series. Nevertheless, enjoy! Also available on AO3(Archive of Our Own)

Princess Clarke Tauri has always been a symbol - the jewel of the Serran Empire, second in line to a throne she never asked to inherit, trained in diplomacy, etiquette... and how to weaponize a smile. But when war bleeds across the continent and rebellion ignites in the shadows, her father sends her to Basgiath War College with one order: Watch. Learn. Do not bond a dragon. But Clarke has never been good at following the rules. Thrust into the brutal world of Rider Quadrant, she enters under her true name - publicly royal, infamously spoiled, and far more dangerous than anyone expects. Her peers whisper that she's a pawn. A liability. A crown with no place on the battlefield. Until she starts proving them wrong. With a sharp tongue, secret scars, and a fire that won't stay buried, Clarke begins to carve her own legend - and catch the attention of two very different men: Dain Aetos, the golden boy with loyal hands and a wounded heart... and Garrick Tavis, the scowling wing leader who sees too much and trusts nothing. But dragons don't bond to pretty titles or whispered threats. And as tensions rise between rebellion and regime, Clarke must decide what she's willing to burn to become more than a symbol - to become something real. Because in Basgiath, surviving is a choice. Becoming fire is a declaration.