Only the blood of the original queen can crown a king. But what if the queen's blood were brought back to life?

In a kingdom built on betrayal and ancient fire, a brutal tradition binds every ruler to a dark ritual: to ascend the throne, the king must drink the blood of the original queen, Seraphine, who died long ago—a woman betrayed and burned by the man who crowned her.

For ages, her lineage was believed extinct. Her story lay buried under ashes and lies.

Until now.

Leora, a seventeen-year-old orphan accused of witchcraft, bleeds golden fire when she is publicly flogged. Branded a heretic and a fugitive, she discovers her blood holds the essence of the First Fire—and a dangerous legacy.

Hunted by a ruthless queen regent, hunted by assassins, and trapped in the hands of a grim, rebellious prince and a cursed dagger of betrayal. Leora must uncover the truth about her lineage, reclaim the power stolen from her ancestors, and ignite a revolution against a throne built on blood.

But the flame that crowns her... may also burn her.