Zaren Joha thought he’d left war behind. Once a loyal soldier, now just a quiet peacekeeper in a Lavrun tavern, he’s content to let the world burn without him.
Until it lands at his doorstep.
When a mysterious royal envoy drags Zaren into a conspiracy of shadowed magic and political unrest, the retired soldier finds himself caught between the life he chose—and the duty he can’t escape. The throne is at risk, old powers are awakening, and Zaren’s blood carries secrets even he doesn’t understand.
To survive the unraveling kingdom and protect those he’s come to call his own, Zaren must step beyond the sword—and into legend.
The Queen needs a blade. Whether he wants to or not, Zaren Joha is about to become one.
