Enemies-to-lovers Sapphic romance with lush worldbuilding and evocative prose for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo

Ruti is Markless. In a society where worth is determined by the mark on your palm and the magic it grants you, this also deems her worthless. Except shes also a hardened survivor, a protector of the Marklessand the most powerful witch in Somanchi. With a single song, she can pray to the many gods for unimaginable powers.

Dekalas Mark is strong, a Mark fit for the future queen of Somanchi, but its also unstable. She knows the only solution is to be bonded, but she also knows that this would mean relinquishing control over her throne and kingdom. So when she is witness to Rutis power, Dekala offers the witch a deal: She can be prosecuted for her crimesor she can help Dekala ascend to the throne, unbonded.

Dekala is cold and brutal and cares only about getting her way. She is also determined, intelligent, and compassionate. Ruti is torn between wanting her to fail or to emerge victorious. But as the gods are defied, new alliances are forged, and unexpected feelings are unearthed, Ruti realizes the fate of the kingdomand the survival of the Marklesslies in her unmarked hands.