Thorns of Deception: Bound by Shadow and Treachery

In a world torn by ancient wars, one forbidden bond could save-or doom-two realms. Elara Voss is the resistance's deadliest assassin, driven by the ashes of her destroyed village and the sister she lost to fae raiders. When she infiltrates the glittering Treaty Ball at Shadowthorn Court to kill Prince Kaelith Veyra, the ruthless heir known as the Prince of Shadows, she expects death. Instead, she is captured and bound by an ancient thorn collar that links their life forces irrevocably: if one dies, so does the other. Forced into uneasy proximity, the assassin and the prince must navigate treacherous court politics, internal betrayals, and a growing conspiracy that threatens both their peoples. As they journey through dangerous wilds and uncover long-buried secrets, prejudice gives way to reluctant respect, then something far more dangerous. Shared dreams reveal painful pasts, an ancient prophecy hints at fated destiny, and Elara awakens latent shadow powers that bind her even closer to the man she once swore to kill. But greater darkness stirs-the Voidthorn, a primordial force feeding on division. With court factions plotting, old alliances fracturing, and an awakening curse demanding sacrifice, Elara and Kaelith must decide whether to fight their bond or embrace it before the realms unravel.

Pages: 196, Paperback, Independently published