Before Rose enters the deadly tournament that will change her fate, another trial will test her.

Stripped of magic and cast into the slums after Prince Kyor’s lie shattered her family, she is barely surviving. With her parents gone and her younger sister Kay facing a bleak future, Rose will do anything to protect what little she has left.

So when a ruthless underworld queen offers Kay a respectable job in exchange for a single favour, she takes the deal. The task? Steal a poisonous plant from the Goddess’s own temple garden – a theft punishable by death.

The heist forces her into the heart of Wrohelm’s ringed city, where priestesses preach life while dealing in death, fierce dire wolves prowl, and the Goddess of Life never blinks.

And when the night descends into bloodshed, Rose discovers that even the smallest choice can stain her hands forever.

This gripping romantasy prequel is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J Maas and Carissa Broadbent, featuring a dark fantasy world, loyal sisters, and an underdog heroine willing to burn for those she loves.

Prequel to Web of Vows and Vengeance, an enemies-to-lovers romantasy coming February 2026. 

Trope list for book one:

• Political tension / Rebels
• Enemies-to-lovers (spicy, slow-burn)
• Forced proximity
• Deadly tournament / trials
• Other side of the tracks / Power imbalance
• Morally grey / Underdog heroine
• Royal, brooding MMC
• Gods and Goddess
• Secrets and lies