Six years ago, Sahara Blaze sacrificed her memories to cage a monster. Since that day, disgraced Ice Prince Raelin Coldbender has guarded her empty shell, burying his heartbreak beneath a desperate, unforgivable lie. He promised to keep her safe. He swore the darkness was dead.

He was wrong.

When a surge of ancient magic ripples across Arthelia, the Vesperith’s protection fractures. Suddenly, Sahara is plagued by lethal combat instincts she shouldn't possess and a burning, undeniable desire for the man claiming to be her protector. Drawn toward the brutal, sun-scorched underbelly of the Scorchlands, they are forced into a treacherous journey to stabilize her failing mind.

But as the steamy, forced proximity tests Raelin’s agonizing restraint, an unseen enemy whispers from the shadows, waiting for Sahara to break. Raelin will break the world to save the woman he loves, but keeping his secrets might be the very thing that destroys her.

When the truth finally surfaces, will their bond be enough to save them, or will the awakening darkness devour them both?

For fans of Sarah J. Maas, Robin Hobb, and Joe Abercrombie