Every century, the Kingdom of Elaria awakens its most feared ritual: seven maidens are chosen, one becomes queen, and the rest are sacrificed to maintain the ancient magic that keeps the throne alive.Ella never imagined she would be among them — until a glowing mark appears on her skin, binding her to a destiny she never asked for. Taken from her home and thrust into the obsidian palace, she enters a world of deception, beauty, and blood-soaked traditions.The King, rumored to be ruthless and cold-hearted, is nothing like the monster she expected. Behind his iron mask lies a man trapped by a curse older than the kingdom itself — a curse that demands both magic and sacrifice.Ella’s presence disrupts everything.Her mark is unique.Her power is awakening.And her connection to the King becomes a dangerous spark neither of them can control.As the deadly trials begin and the other chosen maidens turn into rivals, Ella discovers the truth:She wasn’t chosen to be crowned.