"I am the exception that confirms the rule. I am death." Blithe Thalorian spent the last ten years running from her past in the treacherous capital of Xudia, but now they’ve found her—and they’re dragging her back in chains. This time, it's for something far worse. She’s been chosen as a sacrifice for the brutal Summer Solstice competition, where Awakened Ones battle to earn a place in the Holy Army. Powerless, hopeless, and seething with rage, Blithe sees only one path to survival: steal the identity of an Awakened One, and fight like one of them. To stay alive, she must deceive everyone, betray those who dare trust her, and manipulate her way through deadly trials where failure means death. But as the stakes rise and the competition darkens, the truth she uncovers may be her undoing. How far will Blithe go to live another day? Will the truth destroy her before she claims victory? How far are you willing to read to find out?  Regular updates every Saturday