Aukinok's Blood

[Cover art is a WIP, art+writing will never feature AI use. Constructive criticism highly appreciated! There will be a re-release after it finishes with heavy editing. WARNING: Some retcons and major changes may appear that do not align with previous chapters. I will alert when this happens (which is rarely) as final major changes will be on re-release. Blurb may also change here and there as I try to settle on something.] Aukinok's Blood is a slow-burn fantasy featuring a young woman growing into her rough edges, which only grow sharper and jagged. This is not the story of a hero, but what some may consider a villain. Rue Rivers only craves what so many of us do: A place of belonging, loved ones, and enough wealth and fortune to comfortably get on with life. After abandoning her difficult family and their trade to seek out the capital of the kingdom, she hopes to find new beginnings and fortune, the very things bards sing about the kingdom and city of Whesirki. The city is a hub for masters of magic, artisans of all trades, and cultural bloom. It is here that Rue realizes that running from her old problems peels open wounds that only reveal new hurdles. With a difficulty in controlling her own behavior and temper, making a place for herself is more difficult than she could have anticipated. Her worst enemy is herself...Though magic-worshipping zealots and starving shadows do little to help temper the difficulties. Rue will do her best to claim her survival, determination and refusal to fail letting her go further than anyone could imagine. If only she didn't poison all she touched along the way.