Emmaryn was to wed that day. To choose a man selected specifically for her, the arrangement a blessing to all of her kind. She had only wanted a moment in the Grove, to remember her parents and settle her anxious heart. She was not supposed to leave the safety of the Spiral on her own. And yet… she did. Someone was waiting. With intentions contrary to all of their ways.

Elrik had tired of being alone. He’d forsaken his people, scarred and betrayed, with all their talk of sacrifice. He wanted som...