In a world where freedom is a lie and survival demands blood, Charles walks the fine line between hunted and hunter.
Scarred by chains, armed with stolen steel, he battles his way through a land of mercenaries, monsters, and men twice as cruel. Trust is rare. Mercy, rarer still.
But some fates won’t be outrun — and some debts can only be paid in blood.
Author review here: This story is a dark, character-driven fantasy about survival, ambition, and transformation. It follows Charles, a pragmatic ex-slave navigating a dangerous world of power, guilds, and hidden agendas. It’s gritty, slow-burn, and grounded—focused on growth, strategy, and realism over flashy tropes. If you enjoy morally gray protagonists, sharp dialogue, rich worldbuilding, and stories where actions have weight, you’ll likely enjoy this. There’s no chosen-one destiny here—just a man who refuses to stay powerless. I’m building this world chapter by chapter, and I’m always open to feedback. Every comment helps me improve. Thanks for reading—and I hope you find something that sticks with you. Check out my Instagram for chapter illustrations and extra content: [ @ashertwain ]. Thanks for reading!