David G. Stone
She’s sworn to protect the empire. He’s vowed to destroy it.Mei Lian never wanted to be a Celestial Warrior. But when the phoenix Zhu Que chooses her-burning her soul with sacred fire and binding them for life-she has no choice. As the newest defender of the Jade Empire, she must hunt the shadow demons that plague her people, even if it means sacrificing everything she once was.Corvus is the empire’s most feared weapon. An assassin cloaked in living darkness, bound to a shadow beast he can barely control. His orders are simple: eliminate the phoenix warrior before her power threatens the fragile balance of the realm. But the moment their eyes meet in battle, something impossible happens.Their beasts recognize each other. Their souls ignite. And neither can kill the other without dying themselves.Forced into an uneasy alliance, Mei and Corvus must navigate a world of political intrigue, ancient magic, and deadly secrets. She feels every wound he takes. He senses every fear she hides. The bond between them grows stronger with each passing day-and more dangerous.Because in a land where trust is treason and love is forbidden, their connection could save the empire... or burn it to ashes.
