New York Times bestselling author Claire Legrand makes her debut in adult fantasy with an enchanting romantic story perfect for readers of Sar-ah J. Maas and Jennifer Armentrout.
Lady Gemma Ashbourne is gorgeous and rich, her family Anointed by the gods—but her charming smile and deft wit mask a wrenching sadness. Years ago, her sister Mara was taken to the Middlemist to guard against the treacherous magic of the Old Country. Her mother long ago abandoned the family. Her father and eldest sister, Farrin—embroiled in a deadly blood feud with the powerful Bask family—often forget Gemma exists.
Worst of all, Gemma is the only Ashbourne to possess no magic. Instead, her body fights it like poison. Constantly ill, aching with loneliness, Gemma craves love and yearns to belong.
Then she meets the devastatingly handsome Talan d’Astier. Seduced by a demon, his family dabbled in forbidden magic and destroyed themselves. Talan, the only survivor, is determined to redeem his family’s name. Intrigued and enchanted, Gemma proposes a bargain: She’ll help Talan navigate Gallinor high society if he helps her destroy the Basks. According to popular legend, a demon called The Man With the Three-Eyed Crown is behind the families’ blood feud. Gemma is skeptical of such ludicrous tales, but vengeful Talan is eager for a chance to kill a demon. It’s the perfect plan.
But attacks on the Middlemist are increasing. The plot against the Basks quickly spirals out of control. And something immense and terrifying is awakening in Gemma, drawing her inexorably toward Talan and an all-consuming passion that could destroy her—or show her the true strength of her power at last.
