The Girl Who Lit Ashes

Gavin was just trying to survive vet school. Second was just trying to avoid responsibility, her ex-title, and her emotionally constipated father. Neither of them planned on saving a realm, fighting soul beasts, or falling in love somewhere between a prophecy and a pub crawl-but here we are.

Second-formerly known as Cody-was never the chosen one, but try telling that to a realm on the brink of collapse and a war-bent father who really wanted her to marry for politics. Sharp-witted, emotionally allergic, and allergic to most social niceties, Second just wanted to live quietly, preferably near a tavern with good bread. Instead, she helped rewrite a kingdom's fate with a sword in one hand and a punchline in the other. She got her name back-but more importantly, she got to choose what it meant.

Gavin, meanwhile, only ever wanted to help animals. The fact that she ended up bonded to a soul-guardian and became the first Hollow Sentinel wasn't exactly on her five-year plan. Somewhere between studying for clinicals, chasing ghostlight storms, and hiding her magic tattoos under her scrubs, Gavin managed to carry a dying realm, hold herself together, and still find time to feed stray rabbits. She's quiet, steady, and surprisingly terrifying when she's angry-especially if you flirt with her girlfriend.

Together, they saved the world. Now they just have to learn how to live in it.

A story of soft magic, stubborn girls, and love that refuses to wait for the perfect moment-this is for anyone who's ever fallen for the chaos and stayed for the quiet.