My entire life, I've feared the Darkwings.

Shadow-wielding monsters with red eyes who flay the skin from the bones of any magical being that dare cross their path. A story Lightlace witches told to their children to ensure they didnt stray. Be good, or the Darkwing will steal your magic.

But that's all it was. A nightmare. A legend.

Until I meet him.

Vane.

Born in darkness, enshrouded by shadows. He is on the hunt, searching for something that could alter the very fabric of my family's magic. If I was smart, I would run in the other direction.

But I was born in darkness too.

Under a solar eclipse, robbing me of the Lightlace magic I so desperately wished I had. The magic my family punishes me for not possessing.

Darkness is something I've become accustomed to, calling to me like an old friend, but if I'm not careful, I could vanish in Vane's shadows forever.

The Darkwings are real, and I may have just found the most dangerous one of them all.

Friends. Family. Mate.

After living most of my life on the run, I've finally found a place I belong. A place to call home, with a mate bond I never expected to have. I'd love nothing more than to enjoy it.

But Queen Tantaii won't rest until she gets what she wants, the ancient ring that will give her the power to destroy the mortal realm, and everyone in it.

And I have it.

I know she's lurking, biding her time in the shadows for the perfect moment to strike. She's the mother from hell, and she knows exactly where to strike to hurt me the most.

But her plan won't work.

I'm done running. I'm done hiding.

I'll take the fight to her, and end this. Once and for all.