In a kingdom where touch drains emotions for power, Emberline masks hers, but when she becomes the key to the Blessed's magic, her broody bodyguard could make her feel too much.

His touch would be her undoing.

With a single touch, the ruling Blessed could realize Emberline Arkova is immune to their magic. She's determined to leave the kingdom in search of answers, because every day she remains is a risk.

But her uncle's sudden disappearance upends her plans. Thrust into his role as jeweler, she's gone from avoiding the Blessed to becoming the center of their world. Uniquely able to identify the gems required for their magic, she's now their most precious resource.

To protect their prize, Hart, a broad-shouldered guard with particular irreverence, is assigned to keep Emberline safe. His motives may be murky at best, but he's not as loyal to the king as a Blessed should be, and now, putting her trust in him is her best bet to escape without discovery.

Hart may be one of them, but he awakens long-restrained feelings within Emberline. She can't fall for a Blessed; his touch would expose her secret. But as she unearths the mysteries of magic and politics in the isolated and restless kingdom, Emberline is faced with a choice: flee her fate and hide her feelings—or embrace it and unleash them.

The swoon-worthy tension of From Blood and Ash meets One Dark Window 's unique magic system and rich world-building in this new adult romantasy.