Wisteria in Winter

COMPLETE! 2nd Book (The Cost of Survival) Out Now Born to a house that prizes reputation over warmth, Iliyria Sylrendreis learns early that her first language will be expectation. Tutors measure her worth in posture and poise; courtiers in the sharpness of her smile. When the spark of magic takes root, it opens one narrow door of freedom, study, discipline, the quiet perfection of a wand-hand, while the rest of her life is drafted, line by elegant line, by other people’s pens. The palace teaches her the choreography of survival: how to be seen without speaking, how to mend a rumor before it tears, how to hide the bruise of a choice she never made. She gathers small rebellions where she can; midnight practice, secret promises beneath trailing wisteria, the stubborn belief that a life can be more than a family ledger. When threats close around those she loves, a desperate plan begins to take shape; one that will turn a ballroom into a battleground of manners, masks, and quiet magic. This story takes place in the same universe as On Lockpicks and Leylines, my previous novella. For reference, this story takes place in a different kingdom. In the timeline: Kerrowyn was born in 6484 and On Lockpicks and Leylines ends in the year 6691. Iliyria was born in the year 6551.  Other Places the Work is Published: I have my stories published on my campaign's World Anvil, the World is title Elantra and the author is mjmc2u (me).