Aeralynn was born with a gift no other fae possesses.

The ability to lie.

Every new lie brings searing pain to her throat. Every deception draws blood. But after a lifetime of being trained by the king to use her rare ability as a weapon, Aeralynn has learned that pain is simply the price of obedience.

So when the king orders her to deceive Prince Zalen of the Woodland Court into believing she is his fated mate, she does what she's always done.

She obeys.

With a carefully crafted lie and a potion capable of mimicking the intoxicating pull of a mating bond, Aeralynn becomes exactly what the desperate prince has been searching for. And for the first time, everything appears to be going according to plan.

Until one accidental touch changes everything.

The moment Aeralynn's bare skin meets that of Cai, Prince Zalen's fiercely loyal guard, a true mating bond ignites between them.

Now Aeralynn is trapped between the lie that could save her life and the truth that could cost her everything.

If she confesses, she risks execution for treason—and the wrath of the king who has spent her entire life turning her into his weapon. But if she continues deceiving the prince, she'll be forced to stand beside the man who believes she is his destiny while pretending the overwhelming bond between her and Cai doesn't exist.

Cai has an impossible choice of his own.

He has sworn his loyalty to Prince Zalen.

But fate has bound him to the woman lying to him.

As secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and the truth behind an ancient prophecy begins to surface, Aeralynn and Cai must decide what they're willing to sacrifice for love.

Because some lies are worth dying for.

And some truths are worth starting a war.