Anara has spent twelve years running from her past. Haunted by the destruction of her village and the murder of her parents, she hides behind a false name and a life meant to leave no trace. Bound to a Kismet named Whisp, Anara lives by one unbreakable rule: protect her medallion at all costs.
When fear finally drives her to flee, a scarred blacksmith is swept into the danger meant for her. Jarek Blackthorn wants no part of secrets or destiny. Marked by a past that the world has already judged him for, he has learned not to expect mercy-from people or fate. But once their paths collide, walking away is no longer an option.
Drawn toward a forgotten city and shadowed by a monk who does not age, Anara and Jarek are pulled into a journey where trust is fragile, desire is dangerous, and every step closer to the truth binds them more tightly together.
Some gates are not meant to be crossed.
And some bonds, once forged, burn too deeply to break.