THE GIRL BENEATH THE FIRST FLAME

For seventeen years, Lyra Vaelmont has known exactly where she belongs. At the bottom. Born into one of Aurelia's most powerful noble families, Lyra lives in the servants' wing of her father's estate, tolerated rather than loved. Her family has already decided what she is worth—and it isn't much. Then comes the Bonding Ceremony. Every seventeen-year-old noble travels to the ancient Sanctuary to be chosen by a Beastkin companion. For Lyra, it is little more than another opportunity to be humiliated. Until the Sanctuary calls her name. And something answers. Something that should not exist. As an ancient power stirs beneath the world and eyes that have been closed for centuries begin to open, Lyra finds herself caught between a family that suddenly wants her, a kingdom that fears her, and a bond she doesn't understand. Because being chosen was supposed to be an honor. Lyra is about to discover that sometimes, being chosen is the most dangerous thing of all.