Trigger Warnings

This story is a work of adult fantasy, and while it explores themes of love, trust, and survival, it also contains several elements that may be triggering for some readers. Within these pages, you'll encounter mature language, explicit romance, mentions of death, torture and physical harm, kidnapping, child abandonment, chronic illness, and depictions of prejudice within a fantasy world. There are also references to rape that occurs off page, as well as scenes involving plagues—specifically rats and flies. Please take care of yourself as you read, and step away if you need to.