Lady Lyra Wynthorne has spent her life in the shadow of her father's power, protected by his influence and sheltered by her status. As the only daughter of a High Lord, she's always had everything she could ever want-except her freedom. When she learns that her father has arranged a marriage for her, Lyra decides to take her fate into her own hands. Running away from the life she's always known, she ventures out into a world far harsher than she imagined, determined to prove she's more than the spoiled, reckless girl everyone thinks she is.
Sir Lucian Dorne, her father's most trusted knight, has watched over Lyra since they were children. He knows her better than anyone-or so he thinks. As her childhood friend and protector, he's seen her wild, impulsive nature, and he believes she has much to learn about the realities of life. Never did Lucian expect Lyra to disappear, nor could he have predicted the sorrow and emptiness that would fill the void she left behind.
Months later, when Lucian finally tracks Lyra down, he's shocked to find that the damsel he once knew is no longer in distress. Lyra has changed. Hardened. She has found a new strength and independence in the face of hardship, and she no longer needs saving. As Lucian sees her with new eyes, he begins to wonder: how can he protect someone who doesn't need protecting? And when he discovers the true reason she fled, Lucian is forced to confront his deepest fear.
What does a knight do when the damsel he's sworn to protect is ready to fight her own battles? And more importantly, what happens when that damsel is the woman he's been in love with all along?
In this story of love, loyalty, and self-discovery, Lyra and Lucian must face the truth of who they are-and who they are to each other.
"Bellatrix has a daughter?"
"Is she as crazy as her mother?"
"Where has she been all these years?"
*****
Lyra Lestrange is, unfortunately, the daughter of the incarcerated and criminally insane Bellatrix Lestrange. It's a fact she's able to ignore while enrolled at Beauxbatons, where her classmates aren't as closely affected by her mother's infamous past. Yet her heritage is no longer easy to ignore once the Malfoys transfer her to Hogwarts after Lyra's near brush with death during her fifth year of school. The now-sixth year student is forced to give up ballet - her one true passion - and trade her best friend, Fleur Delacour, for a gang of fellow transfer misfits.
As the school year progresses, Lyra finds herself caught between her damaged past and dismal-looking future as she recalls the events that brought her to Hogwarts and fights against the Death Eater life the Malfoys so badly want for her. Oh, and she also finds herself competing in the Triwizard Tournament. And questioning her feelings for her roommate Erica Weasley as Fleur makes a reappearance in Lyra's life.
Will Bellatrix's daughter be able to handle it all? She just might have a mid-youth crisis.