The one

Eight heirs enter the Trials. Not all return.
In a fractured world ruled by eight rival kingdoms, seventeen-year-old Layla has never belonged to any of them. Hidden away by a mother who forbade her from forming alliances, Layla enters the Trials only to discover that every other heir has years of history, training, and secrets she was never allowed to share. As the Trials escalate into deadly illusions and impossible commands, Layla is pushed to her limits-and beyond them. The Trials twist the mind, test loyalty, and demand obedience. Those who hesitate die. Those who resist die. And those who obey still may not survive.
In the Trials, trust is lethal.
Lies are weapons.
And only one heir can claim the throne.