The Weight of a Merciful Blade

Khoen is in his final year of military school in the desert world of Azodu. If he graduates, he will be among those who run the planet -- feared and respected protectors. But he must prove himself. Two weeks. One peer-group mission. Investigate the rumours of illegal slave trade.

Luthen is an assassin. He and his brother have seen the worst of Azodu. They kill for a living. They always have. But the tables are turned as he realises he's being hunted.

Khoen is a kind and positive soul, bent on understanding the world, and making it brighter. But his world-views are tested as his world faces corruption.

Luthen sees the world through shadows and the reflection of his blade. He's been killing to protect his brother since before he could read. So their heads on the line is not what shakes him. It's letting others in.

[⚠️This story contains themes that may trigger some readers. If this is a concern, please refer to the 'Trigger Warnings' chapter].

[This is a stand-alone book based in the same world as my books 'Interdimential Pirates', 'The Map of my Heart', and 'The Final Reaper']