She was sent as a political sacrifice. She wasn't supposed to burn. Sera Voss has nothing left to lose. No family, no title, no illusions about what it means to be human in a world ruled by immortal fae. So when her province needs a tribute for the Accord Conclave — a brutal summit where five courts carve up power and humans serve as decorative pawns — she volunteers. She expects politics. She expects danger. She doesn't expect the fire... moreShe was sent as a political sacrifice. She wasn't supposed to burn. Sera Voss has nothing left to lose. No family, no title, no illusions about what it means to be human in a world ruled by immortal fae. So when her province needs a tribute for the Accord Conclave — a brutal summit where five courts carve up power and humans serve as decorative pawns — she volunteers. She expects politics. She expects danger. She doesn't expect the fire. Because Sera has a secret even she doesn't understand: magic answers to her. Heat bends around her hands. Flame doesn't burn her skin. And in a citadel teeming with fae who'd kill to exploit that kind of anomaly, her body is becoming a lit fuse. Then there's Kael. Heir to the Embervein Court. Ruthlessly controlled. Brutally beautiful. He's assigned as her keeper — her escort, her jailer, the man responsible for making sure she stays silent and useful. He has every reason to see her as a liability. But from the moment his fire meets hers, something ignites between them that neither of them can afford — and neither of them can stop. Because Kael knows what Sera doesn't: the fire in her blood isn't human. It's his court's. And if anyone discovers what she really is, it won't just destroy her — it will bring down everything he was born to protect. A forbidden bloodline. A political war fought in silk and venom. A bond that could save them both — or burn them alive. Ash & Ruin is Book One in the Ruinbound Series — a spicy, slow-burn romantasy of enemies, secrets, and dangerous fae courts, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Carissa Broadbent. less