The first book in a new dark, seductive and all-consuming fantasy series, in which a human commander and the masked enemy interrogator sent to break her are drawn into a slow-burn, dangerous bond - one that could end a fifteen-year war or ignite something far deadlier. Perfect for fans of Alchemised and Samantha Shannon.

Vordell was beautiful once. Its people lived in harmony as they harnessed the power of light – until darkness came. The Iron Sky smothered the suns, the earth split, releasing vicious creatures, and the long-buried Dar’rak reclaimed the world above.

A high-ranking commander, Soraya Tollmere has spent most of her life on the front lines of the brutal war that followed. By day, she leads covert missions across ruined lands through enemy territory. By night, she meets with a Dar’rak defector who has kept humanity alive with his steady stream of secrets.

But when a lead that could turn the tide of the war draws her into enemy territory, Soraya is captured by The Demon, the Dar’rak’s most feared soldier. His orders are simple: break the human commander and uncover humanity’s greatest weapon.

As devastating truths unravel and loyalties blur, Soraya must decide who to trust in a world where light is dying… and where her greatest enemy may be her only salvation.

© A.T. Emerald 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026