author_dklumen
In the fractured realm of Vaskyr and Thorran, humans are treated as servants and bargaining tools in the games of the orc clans.
Thalia, a quiet herb-worker bound to serve the proud Vaskyr court, has learned to survive by staying unseen. But when she is chosen to accompany Princess Rytha to a political union meant to seal peace with the rival Thorran clan, her life is dragged into a world of ancient rituals, war-bred honor, and dangerous magic.
There she meets Galthan of Thorran-war hero, feared commander, and a warrior bound by an ancient divine mark said to choose only one true counterpart.
But fate does not care for politics.
The mark reacts to Thalia.
What begins as a fragile alliance spirals into a conflict of duty, rebellion, and forbidden connection, as both clans realize the bond between human and orc may shatter centuries of tradition.
Because in the Bonded Vale, fate is not gentle.
And it always demands a price.