Long ago, the gods unleashed monsters upon the five kingdoms of Calandra to remind us that we are insignificant—that we should beg for their mercy throughout our fragile, fleeting lives. I needed no deity to remind me that I was powerless.
For twenty-three years, I held the title of princess—a performance, an empty tradition. My sister relished the spectacle and played her part flawlessly. I was never asked to take part in that theater. Until the day a notorious monster hunter sailed to our shores.
The day a prince walked into my father’s throne room and ruined my life. The day I married a stranger, signed a magical blood treaty, and set off for the far side of the continent, to the most dangerous kingdom. That was when I learned that not all myths are imaginary. That lies and legends are often two sides of the same coin. And that the only way to kill the monsters you fear is to become one of them…