The King of Azuralis — Erian Selaris, a fae with deep blue skin who is nearly a thousand years old. Outwardly, he looks very young, yet the wisdom of centuries shines in his blue eyes. He radiates charisma, power, and a cruel nature all at once, leaving no one indifferent in his presence. When strong emotions surge within him, his blue skin begins to shimmer like a star-filled night sky, drawing strength from nature itself, as all fae do.

The king’s palace is built from blue mountain stone and adorned with sapphires, just like his magnificent crown. It is a truly enchanting sight.

Erian differed from his ancestors by being more just, though tyranny still lingered in his rule, as did the encouragement of human slavery — far more useful, in his view, than simply disposing of mortals.

The heroine is human — young, brave, and gifted with magic, a rarity among mortals and more often considered a curse. Her beloved younger sister was sold into the fae realm to pay off the magical debts of their deceased parents, and she had been powerless to stop it. Now, five years later, grown and determined, she enters the fae world to bring her sister back. Magic has temporarily tinted her skin blue, allowing her to blend in with the courtiers, though such deception cost her the length of her hair.

The royal ball is a luxurious and long-awaited event. Powerful fae, advisors, courtiers, and military leaders all strive to please Erian and gain his favor. Yet the king’s gaze immediately falls upon the unusual guest who, despite the blue skin and pointed ears, stands out too sharply — with her fierce energy and contemptuous expression glimpsed beneath her masquerade mask as she moves among the dancers.

Now every wrong step she takes may be her last, for the king’s interest could expose her deception — and her sister would never be free again.