Circus performer Mira has spent her life on the run. Training in secret, she intends to win glory and protection by competing for a place in one of the magical royal Orders. But when her candidacy puts Mira in the crosshairs of the Ravalian emperor, the Trials become her lifeline. And failure means death.

Illegitimate princess Scarlett is fighting to withstand her half-brothers' sinister ambitions and her sorceress mother's vicious schemes. When Scarlett meets Mira, she sees an opportunity to alter the balance of power - but only if she can keep Mira alive through the Trials and use her as a weapon in a bloody bid for the throne.

Navigating a glittering world of magic, court intrigue and forbidden romance, both Mira and Scarlett must decide whether they're willing to sacrifice everything - even their own lovers - for power and revenge. Because in the cutthroat Ravalian Court, where alliances shift in a heartbeat and seduction is the prelude to murder, only one thing is not everyone will survive . . .

About the Author

Alina Bellchambers grew up in her family’s bookstore and spent her childhood immersed in fantastical worlds. She makes use of her psychology degree by writing dark, twisty fantasies featuring fierce female protagonists, morally grey characters, magic and seductive court politics.

Alina writes on a forty-acre hobby farm in the picturesque Adelaide Hills of South Australia with her fiesta dog, Scamp, and loves connecting with readers. Follow along on Instagram, Threads and TikTok @alinabellwrites.