After many harsh years as a mercenary, Garrak found the life he had longed for: simple, peaceful, and quiet. But the King of Baratha isn't kind to orcs, and most don't survive his wrath. In a blink, Garrak's clan was annihilated, his brother killed, and his freedom taken. Now, with blood on his claws and revenge in his veins, he's determined to return to his homeland of Mazarrud and raise an army to kill the one who took everything, King Amon—only one problem. The map to Mazarrud is written in a language he can't understand. Even worse, the only one who can read it is a boastful bard who insists he escort her to the mythical land of Baneshaven. Ridley is prideful, takes nothing seriously, and her stubbornness knows no bounds. But her luscious curves, bubbly joy, and beautiful song draws Garrak in like a moth to flame. The longer he's beside her, the more he wants to claim her as his. Surely, that's the work of the tincture Amon had forced down his throat. One that demands his mating lust to frenzy before its time. There's also a secret lying within her. One that could ruin everything. Ridley knows how dangerous Baratha is for an Ignis. Even though her fire magic has atrophied, she is still feared and hated, the terror of The Sanctuary always close at hand. Now she's stranded in the very country that wants her dead or worse, controlled. But when an orc arrives with a map that only she can read, Ridley finds her escape. Garrak is sullen, grumpy, and when he does speak, it's nothing nice. But he's also strong, sure, and ruthless, the perfect travel companion. So, what if he wants nothing to do with her? So, what if he believes Baneshaven is a myth and that she's a loony? Under that tough, green skin lies a loyal, grieving orc that has been hurt one too many times. And the more they're together, the more she craves to coax out his secret smiles. But how would he react when he discovers what she truly is? An Ignis—the very creatures that burned his clan to ashes. And there's an even deeper secret, one that would break them both if he ever found it out.