I was supposed to be collateral. A body left in an alley to settle a blood debt. Varek was supposed to be my executioner. Instead, Vespera's most ruthless syndicate boss put a diamond on My finger. He thinks he bought a terrified pawn. He is dead wrong. I Maevia isn't a nameless stray from the outer wards. I am the last heir of a slaughtered royal dynasty. The blood in my veins is worth billions on the black market. And the men who butchered my family are finally coming to finish the job. Varek thought he caged a bird. He's about to realize he locked himself in with a queen. When the global syndicates kick down his door to claim my bounty, Varek faces one choice. Hand over his wife. Or drown the world in blood to keep Me. Short punchy lines at the start. That's what stops the scroll.