He was born to control the shadows and lead beasts risen from the depths of hell. She was destined to be broken, alone, and afraid. Will their hope and righteousness survive the truth that fate has in store for them? Varkul is a legend among orcs—a Tamer of Beasts and wielder of shadows. His honor and strength are unlike any other. But beneath his scars and battle-worn armor lies a heart yearning for something more than victory in battle. When he journeys to the Welcoming of Spring Festival to teach his craft and bridge the divide between warring orc clans, he expects nothing more than his duty to meet him there. Yet, fate has other plans for this brooding orc. Hadassa is a prisoner of her own blood—a human woman bound by endless cruelty and now condemned by the sins of her parents. She is used as a pawn in a political game she did not choose. When a deadly secret threatens her life, she's forced to make a decision. For too long, others dictated her life for her; she has taken back the reigns controlling her future.  Her gentle spirit and abundant kindness shake Varkul's very soul. She is everything he never thought he could have and everything he vows to protect—his ray of sunshine, his beloved.  But fate is cruel. Her parents have marked her for pain and death to conceal a treasonous plot that could plunge the kingdom into chaos, into mass genocide. Varkul must be as strong and focused as he's ever been to protect her and all he holds dear. Together, they will traverse the forest and attempt to hash out an at least half-decent plan to save the kingdom. Will they Succeed?  In a world divided by fear and prejudice toward differences, can a grumpy warrior and a broken woman find strength in each other? Can love truly conquer all? This tale is of two souls bound by fate and driven by a wish for love and peace. But will fate take away all they have ever wanted, will they be able to come out the other side the same?