The Fictive Kin

In the Kingdom of Aetheria, two princes are known as brothers-Xiobo Wang, the rightful heir, and Tao Chao , his loyal sibling in the eyes of the court. But what the nobles and servants don't know is this: Tao does not carry the king's blood.

Ayaka Chika, Xiobo's childhood best friend, was born under a cursed 12 star. She wields necromancy-one of the forbidden magics, feared and outlawed across the realm. Aetheria is a land of enchantment, blessed by the gods, where 23% of nobles are gifted with magic. But red mages like Ayaka, especially those who command the dead, are seen as a threat to the divine balance.

Her secret is dangerous. Her bond with the Wangs is deeper than loyalty. And her future? Balanced on the edge of a blade.