In a realm where binds of blood ensure absolute loyalty, a former general and his new guard navigate politics and assassination attempts in the face of impending war. • • • • • Wrell Draekon failed in her duty as a bloodbound guard when her master was killed by an unknown assassin. Hoping to redeem herself, and with nowhere else to go, she pledges her loyalty to Lord General Jurion Calustus, her master's younger brother and the realm's new Great Lord. Still reeling after the murder of his mother and brother, Jurion Calustus is thrust into a role he does not want and bloodbound to a servant he does not need. To preserve his realm from war, he forges a shaky alliance with the ruthless Empress Vian, a woman as perplexing as the guard who follows his every step. But as both Wrell and Jurion attempt to survive the dangers and difficulties of three nations on the brink of war, they are forced to come to terms with what they have lost . . . and begin to realize what they truly need. • • • • • Official first draft completed June 2023. Edited but needs eventual revision. Approximately 120,000 words.