In the hidden depths of Alsatia-a sanctuary for London's lost and lawless-Eliza has survived through grit, cunning, and a talent for disappearing into the shadows. The only survivor of her family, claimed by hunger and disease, she has adapted to life as a thief, navigating the back alleys of a city that shows little mercy to the poor and the desperate.
But the shadows of Alsatia hold secrets of their own, and one night, as Eliza fights to escape a dark presence hunting her through the twisted streets, she discovers a power lurking within her-a gift as dangerous as it is strange. Haunted by this newfound force and hunted by an unseen threat, Eliza must learn to wield her abilities before they consume her completely.
Caught between survival and mystery, she realizes she is not as alone as she thought, and in a city steeped in secrecy, the true danger lies within the shadows she once trusted.
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I'm writing this based on the real, historical London district Alsatia, in Whitefriars. Although not too much is known of it specifically, there were other similar districts. It began as a monastry and therefore was outside of police jurisdiction. Eventually, it became overrun with criminals and vagrants, and many would flee to this district to evade police.
Although I'm going to try and keep my story accurate to the era and location, I'm not a historian - just someone passionate about London history :) Trying my best, please let me know of any feedback, it will be appreciated.
Lian snuck out of the imperial palace and exposed the village healer to be a fraud and a devil-worshipper. Cursed by the spurned fire god, Huogwai, and disgraced and cast out by the royal family, Lian set out with her manservant Emiru to the kingdom of fire to rid her of the curse of uncontrollable flames for a chance to regain her claim to the throne. But being a fire disciple meant she was a practitioner of the forbidden arts. For those that hunt her kind, the game had just started.