Her final purpose was to save him. The slave woman never flinched from releasing the hawk in her care. If the only way out was to become a darkmage, then that's what she'd do. Her entire goal was his freedom. When her goal was achieved, she was left nameless, tainted, lost.

The hawk named Tydus endured believing he must reveal the darkness's hidden depths to his people. The slave who cared for him became his partner, one he wouldn't leave behind. When he finally stood free of his chains, he looked down to recognize his mate ... and a darkmage.

Friends help them find a way back to civilization, but no one who hasn't lived through what they did can understand it. Clinging to each other, their connection saves their sanity. Struggling to shed the emotional poison they were infected with, they discover passion can transcend fear. In order to heal, there can be no lies between them, especially in bed. He thinks it's his task to heal her, but she knows what he's hiding.

How does a shattered woman face a dominant man's needs?

How does a guilty man fight through his wounded woman's fear?

Hope born in darkness glows brighter from the shadows.