When Nelle signs herself away in marriage, she should have read the fine print. Ink fades—blood binds.

Imprisoned behind gilded gates, Nelle Wychthorn trades freedom for safety. Magic pulses beneath her skin—wild, forbidden. In a world ruled by ancient Houses, wielding such power means death. One slip, one spark, and everyone she loves dies.

As a princess of the Great House, Nelle should be untouchable. But when a ruthless family of enforcers claims the right to choose any bride, she’s promised to the infuriating Graysen Crowther.

Their loathing is legendary. But with only a wall between them each night, hatred twists into something far more dangerous. One touch, and she could lose something worse than her life—her traitorous heart.

As her control fractures and betrayal tightens its noose, Nelle’s only hope lies in escaping to find the monster who holds the truth about her magic. But when a bargained kiss forges an unbreakable bond, suspicion whispers through her bones that she’s caught in a blood-soaked web.

In this deadly game of power, where trust is a luxury, Graysen moves like someone who's been playing long before she even knew there was a game.

And his secret may be more lethal than any forbidden magic.