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She’s a priestess with a dangerous secret. He’s a praetorian with a grudge. When their paths become inextricably linked, they must find a way to survive the deadliest game of all. . .

The sizzling enemies-to-lovers fantasy, guaranteed to keep you under its spell.

Forbidden magic, a twisted mystery and deadly court conspiracies are all wrapped up in this dark fantasy set in a Roman-inspired republic where secrets will cost lives.
Secrets built this republic; one truth could burn it down.
High Priestess Kerasea Vestal has spent her life hiding the truth—that she’s the last surviving heir of the magical bloodline the republic slaughtered. One wrong step could be fatal. But when a senator is brutally killed and a temple blade is found at the scene, all eyes turn to her.
Praetorian Torren Morvane has made a career of dragging liars into the light, and Kerasea is the one person he’s vowed to ruin. But locked on a mountain with a murderer, scheming senators, and a prophecy of death, he’s forced to work at her side. The closer he gets, the more dangerous the truth—and their attraction—becomes.
With traitors closing in and a nation on the verge of shattering, Kerasea and Torren must risk everything to uncover the real killer. . .even if it means trusting their sworn enemy.
TROPES FOR VERITY GUILD
Enemies-to-Lovers
Slow Burn
Forbidden Magic

"Kera and Torren, whose simultaneous attraction to and suspicion of each other makes for a compelling reading experience... An engrossing murder mystery that will intrigue even readers from beyond the romantasy genre’s fan base." — Kirkus

© Mai Corland 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026