"Simple desires don’t promise a simple life.
Before my latest birthday, I wanted three things: to fall in love, grow wings, and find my biological parents. In the weeks since I turned twenty-nine, I’ve discovered my father was a magic-devouring tyrant, my half-brother wanted me dead, and a blood witch held the power behind the dragon king’s throne.
Now, the witch is dead, my father’s behind bars, and my brother swears he’s ready to turn over a new leaf.
Still, my life isn’t simple. I know Striža and I are fated mates, though some believe a dragon and an owl-shifting veela should never share the same bed. Even Striža has her doubts.
I can work with doubt. What I can’t work with is deception.
Making matters worse, I mishandled a magical object, bringing an evil force into my family’s home and setting off another cycle of destruction and death.
Even though I was raised in a family skilled in artifice, I know nothing about guile. Is my desire for a simple life my affliction? Is this the Achilles Heel that will keep me from finally toppling the dragon king?"
"Politics is never simple when it comes to dragons. Neither is romance.
My biological father anointed himself dragon king. Now that he found me, the cunning despot plans to groom me to expand his holdings before appointing me his heir.
I’ll never accept the dragon king’s paper throne—but it’s within my power to answer for his sins and restore the magic he stole from others.
My older half-brother wants me dead, his lover wants my blood for its life-extending properties, and they both want me to reveal the identity of the dragon king’s missing child.
I can handle Casimir and Elodie, and keep my mouth shut. What I can’t handle is any more lies, not from my adoptive parents, and not from the enchantress who saved my life. Audrey and Elijah mean the world to me. And Striža? I feel like I’ve known her forever.
Navigating the maze of blood relations, underground tunnels, and deadly secrets will test my skills—if the madness coursing through my family tree doesn’t take me down first."
