Author: Mikayla Bridge

A deliciously dark standalone set in the same world as the YA romantic fantasy Of Flame and Fury, where star-crossed enemies gamble with their hearts, empires, and the fate of a lost god.

On an island marred by pageantry and pain, power comes at an impossible price.

Inna is the perfect heiress to the Pallo crime family: poised, cunning, untouchable. Behind this glamorous facade, she hunts for the sinister truth of her sister's death. Despite the cover-up she's been led to believe, Inna can feel an enemy lurking in the shadows.

Rylan has sculpted himself into a talented thief for one reason: retribution for his family, who were murdered by Inna's mother. Armed with illusion magic, Rylan plans to steal an ancient riddle from the Pallo vault, one that leads to a sleeping god. Whoever wakes the Serpent King will be granted any wish they desire. Rylan means to claim this power, and with it, Inna's ruin.

But when Inna catches Rylan sneaking past her family's security, they enter into a perilous alliance that neither intends to keep --even as bitter attraction unravels into something more.

Though some hearts aren't meant to be stolen, and love knows nothing of blood-red revenge...

Publisher: Macmillan Publishers (MPS)
Published: 07/07/2026
Pages: 432
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.06oz
Size: 8.25h x 5.38w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780374393441

About the Author
Mikayla Bridge is a young adult fantasy author living in Melbourne, Australia. She grew up on a small-town farm and completed a BA with Honors in Political Science and International Relations. She can often be found playing board games, drinking too much coffee, and lovingly tormenting her characters. Her books include Of Flame and Fury and Of Venom and Vengeance.