Lilian Quinn

I never wanted to go to Mardi Gras. The wild parties, the chaos—none of it was for me. But my sister Raya lives for it, and spending time with her means everything. So, I went, determined to survive the madness for her sake.
Then I met him. A man so captivating it was impossible to look away. There was something dangerous about him, something eerily familiar, but I couldn’t place it. Not until the night that changed everything.
What started as a night of fun and celebration turned into a nightmare. Creatures that shouldn’t exist attacked us. The supernatural world isn’t real… at least, I thought it wasn’t. But now Raya is missing, and no one will believe me.
I know what I saw. I know she’s out there somewhere. But can I find her before it’s too late? And more terrifyingly—am I next?


Bloodborne Secrets

The lush grass tickles between my toes, and I scrunch my foot to pluck a few strands, then wiggle to let them fall again. Morning dew is pleasingly chilly on my skin, ripe with sorcery. Just as it always is in New Orleans. Most people think the thick air is thanks to the humidity, but I can tell them it’s magic that makes it hang so heavy.


Gliding a hand up my arm to smooth the moisture over me, I savor how cool it is. By midday, I’ll be pining for this brisk morning.


At last, the growing light on the horizon breaks over, and the golden ball of the sun rises to kiss my face. It bathes over the pastures at the far end of our property, casting long shadows from the forest land that borders ours. Their lush leaves gleam with warding magic to keep us safe. Not that there’s much to threaten us anymore, but after what we’ve been through, Thomas and Azriel insist on it.


Epilogue