An emotional, page-turning introduction to an epic new world with a romance that is both heart-warming and wrenching. Loosely inspired by the Greek myths of Astraea in a rich fantasy setting with vampires, fae, and celestials. 'The brightest star needs the darkest night.'In a world abandoned by the celestial guardians and left to suffer a tyrant kingâÇÖs reign, all Astraea knows is safety in seclusion. With fragmented memories of only five years of her life, sheâÇÖs determined to discover more about her past, even if that means fleeing the cruel arms that hold her safe from the wicked vampires rumored to roam the land.áBut when Astraea stumbles upon the mysterious Nyte, she soon realizes determination alone isnâÇÖt enough to guard her heart. He lingers like the darkness that expands between the stars, and soon she discovers her captorâÇÖs wicked means of control werenâÇÖt based on a lie to keep her under locks after all. In her desperation, Astraea accepts NyteâÇÖs help before she can decide if she might have sold her allegiance to one of the bloodthirsty beings the people of her world fear.Once their bargain is struck, AstraeaâÇÖs chance to escape comes in the form of accompanying her best friend Cassia to the KingâÇÖs Central. There on royal territory itâÇÖs the centenary of the Libertatem, a succession of trials hosted by the king in which five human lands compete for a cycle of safety from the vampires seeking blood, claiming souls, and savaging after dark. So when tragedy strikes, Astraea must decide if taking the place of a murdered participant for the safety of her kingdom is a ruse is worth dying for, or if protection-and the answers to her past-really are her strongest desires.
