Aurelie was trying to help usher in a new world in her work with Everard. Instead, her invention only brought Everard no longer needs inventions to admit demons into Wisteria. Now, he can tear open the veil whenever he chooses.
When Des sacrificed his soul to save Aurelie, he believed it would close the door Everard opened. Instead, Everard kept part of his soul in hand, using it to control the demons he unleashes—and to build an army. And Des is no longer capable of feeling anything. No fear, no rage, no grief.
Everard’s plan is to strike at the king, wipe out the royal family, and reclaim his stolen throne. Aurelie, forced to join the Iron Guard to atone for her mistakes, is swept into the only solution they have kill Everard before he destroys everything.
Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara has lived all over the world with her diplomat husband and two sons. She is the author of Crown of Coral and Pearl and its sequel, Kingdom of Sea and Stone; Luminous; The Poison Season; and A Multitude of Dreams. Her next book, A CURIOUS KIND OF MAGIC, releases Fall '25 from Wednesday Books.