Elara Vale opens her eyes inside a ritual circle with no childhood, no past, and only a name placed inside her like a jewel. The mages of the Sanctum of Stars call her awakening a success. Elara quickly understands what that word means: she was made for a purpose, and the kingdom expects gratitude before she has even learned what she wants. Then an ancient star-gate shivers open beneath the Sanctum and whispers her name. Rowan Ashborne, a scholar brought in to study the impossible reaction, is the first person in the chamber to look at Elara and ask whether she understands instead of whether she works. His suspicion of the ritual becomes her first glimpse of a life not defined by obedience. Together they follow clues through star wells, sealed histories, and a magical system that may know far more about Elara's origin than the people who created her are willing to admit. The closer they come to the truth, the more the kingdom tries to turn her into proof, weapon, salvation, or sacrifice. Rowan's growing feelings offer no easy refuge, because Elara refuses to trade one form of ownership for another. She must learn whether love can stand beside a person without deciding her future for her. The stars may have shaped her beginning, but Elara is determined to choose what happens after she becomes fully, dangerously alive.
Elara Vale opens her eyes inside a ritual circle with no childhood, no past, and only a name placed inside her like a jewel. The mages of the Sanctum of Stars call her awakening a success. Elara quickly understands what that word means: she was made for a purpose, and the kingdom expects gratitud...