She could be his light... If his darkness doesn’t destroy them both. Bastard and former mercenary Lord Regulus Hargreaves' resolve is crumbling. He's desperate to pay off his debt to the sorcerer who enslaved him, but after two years, he fears he'll never be free of the cursed mark that won't even let him die. Then Lady Adelaide sees past his scarred face and shadowed past, and Regulus’ fading hope rekindles. But will loving Adelaide while serving the Prince of Shadow and Ash put her in danger? Adelaide Belanger yearns to use the magical energy within her, but revealing her power could get her killed—like every other mage in the kingdom. When she meets kind and rugged Regulus, she wonders if she has finally found someone to trust with her secret—and her heart. Regulus and Adelaide struggle to protect their romance and keep their secrets from predatory nobles and the devious sorcerer. By the time their secrets are revealed, it may be too late for them both...and possibly for the kingdom. The first book in a character-driven sword and sorcery romantic fantasy duology with found family, despicable villains, magic, and hope! (Content note: Fade-to-black romance. Minimal language. Possible triggers: Series is equivalent to mid to upper PG-13-level; contains violence, torture, depression, reference to SH and a su*c*de attempt, & a SA in book two.)