The Lioness of Shadi

(Posting to RoyalRoad as well) After the destruction of her native city, Ilati must find a way forward to make a new life and avenge the fallen, shedding her old life as high priestess of the goddess of love like a snake leaves its skin. But with a sorcerer at her shoulder that she isn't certain she can trust, a charioteer with a dark curse, a nomadic warrior with a child who is not dead and not alive, and the Mother of Demons herself involved-can she survive? Can she hold onto the righteous path or will revenge drive her to seek another?

Great Nysra, who claims her grandfather's title King of Kings, is not about to surrender his grip on the conquered lands. With skin that can turn even gods-blessed bronze and the power to conjure spellfire and lightning, is it possible to even topple his throne? Between his dark gods and his vast army, Ilati faces an impossible task.

But woe to the men of Nadar, for they have let a lioness slip between their spears...