In the shadows and flames, Primals will fall…
And from the blood and ash, new gods will rise.
What was dreamt.
Poppy was never meant to awaken, and the consequences are devastating and far-reaching, stirring ancient powers from their slumber and transforming Casteel and Kieran in ways even the Fates couldn’t have foreseen. But what that means is the least of their concerns. For now.
What was foreseen.
The Blood Crown has fallen, but what has risen is a far greater danger than they’ve ever faced. From flesh and fire, the Great Conspirator has returned to the mortal realm, and he wants only one thing. They must stop the true Primal of Death before he regains his strength, and it won’t be easy. Even weakened, his influence is undeniable. His power, unthinkable.
Has come to be.
While the future of the realms rests upon them, they won’t stand alone. The gods have awakened—each harboring their own blood-soaked secrets. But they must navigate an unbalanced realm, where every choice—past and present—has the potential to not only undo everything they’ve fought for but also destroy the very bonds that have Joined them together.
For the Harbinger and the Bringer of Death and Destruction has risen.
Why You Should Read This Book
Tropes
Trigger Warnings
The Primal of Blood and Bone
“We are stronger together, not apart. We could defeat Kolis together. You wouldn’t even need to get close to him.”
“I don’t just want you. I need you, Poppy. I will always need you. None of that shit matters, Poppy. And that’s the damn truth. Understand?”
“You don’t fully understand that you’re no longer a singular entity. But one would think you’d already feel enough guilt over being the cause of her weaker state.”
“When you disappeared, I had no idea where you were or what you were facing. I’ve never felt more helpless.”
“You’re not being overly emotional, Poppy, and we’re not going to play the whose-trauma-is-more-significant game.”
“It had to be ravens. My people see them as an omen—well, not so much any longer. But the eldest of the wolven? They did. It’s because of what they represent to the gods. Ravens serve as a warning. Of death and destruction.”
“If you keep looking at my dick like that, I’m going to have to kick Reaver out of this chamber.”
“You remind me of someone I once knew. He, too, loved her.”
“Poppy. That’s who you are. That’s who you will always be. And that is all that matters.”
“There’s only one thing more arousing than seeing you wearing my clothing. And that’s you naked and spread open for me.”
“I don’t know how much longer I can wait—that any of us can, but…I need her to wake. I need to see her eyes open again and see only her staring back at me. I need her beside me, even if she doesn’t remember me—even if she never remembers me. As long as it’s just her. If you bring her back to me…I will do anything. Give anything. Please, Seraphena. Bring your granddaughter back to me.”
“Extraordinarily impatient to help my wife.”
“But I don’t think doing what is right always feels good.”
“The death of an unbroken mate bond cannot sever that connection. The souls will reunite. But that bond can be broken at any point, no matter the…extenuating circumstances. Just as your people seal your vows, it can be rejected by one or both.”
“You might want to rethink that. Because there’s nothing he can’t do for her.”
“I understand that you do not believe I’m capable of doing what is needed, no matter what that might be—no matter how hard or difficult it could be.”
“I said the Arae are cowards. Am I wrong? None of you wants to deal with the other Ancients because there is a good chance you will fall to them.”
“Gods, Poppy. I’ve been so afraid. So fucking terrified this whole time that you wouldn’t come back to me. And I thought—fuck, I thought it was happening again.”
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