In the icy realm of Etherlan, Lyran takes a maiden each year, and no chosen bride returns. Kaira arrives with orders to murder him, only to discover a tormented ruler imprisoned in lion form by dark magic. Her blood can free him, and their dangerous alliance becomes love. When Kaira is poisoned, Lyran risks everything to share her destiny. Betrayed by Elara, they survive through sacrifice and the extraordinary gift of their child, until a troubling mark appears on their newborn.
