Catherine believes monsters belong to stories… until she is forced to choose what part of herself survives. As the overlooked daughter of a failing merchant, Catherine has learned the value of coin—and how easily it can be spent. When her family’s venture fails, she takes it upon herself to secure what her father and brothers cannot. Catherine knows monsters best as stories on a page. Inside the castle, she finds women who welcome her with patience, curiosity, and care and teach her what it means to be wanted. For the first time, Catherine imagines a future not defined by endless roads, unsold wares, and watching her family disappear into drink. Until her father hunts her down at the castle, and the night ends in blood. When the truth is revealed, Catherine must choose between her blood family and the women she has come to love. To remain at the castle means binding herself to the vampire queen and leaving her mortal life behind. The Day She Lamented is the fifth story in the sapphic why choose Wives of the Vampire Queen series, combining dark fantasy romance, gothic horror, and historical romantasy. Perfect for fans of An Education in Malice and The God of Endings. Read Catherine’s story today and discover the cost of choosing eternal love. Edited by Susan Stradiotto