All Reia ever wanted was freedom.
Cast out as cursed and blamed for the Demons that devoured her family, Reia has lived as little more than a ghost among the living. When the monstrous Duskwalker returns for his ritual sacrifice, the village offers her up like a lamb to slaughter—choosing exile to the unknown over a lifetime in chains.
But the creature who takes her isn’t a beast.
He’s danger draped in shadow, with a skull for a face, glowing eyes that burn through her, and a voice that curls around her like smoke. He doesn't kill her. He keeps her.
And when he touches her, it’s with reverence. With hunger. With heat that makes her crave the monster who stole her away.
All Orpheus ever wanted was someone who could look past the mask—and still want the man beneath it.
For centuries, he has accepted sacrificial offerings in exchange for shielding humanity from the Demons of the Veil. Their bodies warm his bed for a time—but none ever truly see him. None ever stay.
Until Reia.
She should fear him. Run from him. But instead, she looks at him with fire in her eyes and defiance on her tongue. She challenges him, tempts him, and makes him ache—for more than just her body.
Now that he has her in his realm, Orpheus burns to possess her completely—mind, body, soul.
But the Veil doesn’t give without taking.
And loving her might cost him everything… unless he can convince her to be his forever.