Prologue

After losing everything to the Lycans' brutal attack on her village, Raven is left haunted by nightmares and consumed by grief. Alone in a world she no longer understands, she finds refuge at Honeygarden, a vineyard estate nestled in the peaceful countryside of the Cait Empire. Under the protection of Abbas, the older brother of the Empress, Raven slowly begins to rebuild her life.

But Honeygarden is more than just a sanctuary. Abbas's family holds secrets of their own, and the life Raven has been welcomed into is deeply entwined with the politics of the Empire. Aisha, Abbas's daughter and heir to the throne, quickly becomes Raven's closest friend and sister in all but blood. As Raven grapples with her past and the trauma that haunts her every step, she must learn to trust the people around her and, perhaps, find a place to call home once more.

Yet even in the safety of Honeygarden, danger looms. The Empire is watching, and the tensions between humans and Cait run deep. Raven's presence has stirred controversy in the capital, and the shadows of her past are never far behind.

In a world where power, family, and loyalty are tested, Raven must confront her fears, learn the strength of her own heart, and decide if she is willing to fight for a future that seems just beyond her reach.