Hanleigh loves books more than nearly anything in the world; whether its reading them or writing them, Hanleigh just can't get enough. She's read more books than she can count and owns more books than some libraries.

Trust was a liberty that as Kumari, Bae could not afford, especially after the murder of Bae’s mother, the late Kumari.

The Kumari bloodline had to continue regardless of the cost, even if it was the life of someone she loved.

There were only two things that a Kumari should trust; magic and her seven mates.

The race was on for Bae to find and claim her seven mates before she had to defend her realm from an unknown enemy.

With them, she still might not win, but alone she would definitely fail.

Kumari's Kitsune

Within the mirage, Bae was refusing to take one more step. She sat herself down on a rock and folded her arms in protest. Cadmar was shaking with rage. How dare she disobey him? "Get up, you stupid wrench!"


Bae didn't reply. She didn't have time to engage in an argument. She needed to come up with a way to escape. The Kitsune jumped into her lap, growling at Cadmar. Looking at the fox, she formulated a plan.


Within her mind, she spoke to the Kitsune, You need to go.'


Go?' The Kitsune replied silently. I will not leave you, Kumari.'


And bring him here?' the Kitsune asked.


With a bow of its head, the Kitsune vanished and for the first time since her Commencement, Bae felt alone.


"Get up!" She only realised Cadmar was still shouting at her when she felt his palm strike her cheek.


Chapter 24: The Mirage