Where The Poppies Bloom

Haven Vesper has always been certain of two things: the insurgency is Naxa's greatest threat, and there is no situation that cannot benefit from a little sarcasm. As the Umbral-the empire's most revered assassin-she has never questioned her purpose. Until Naxa turns on her.

Now a fugitive of the empire she once served, she soon realizes the insurgency might have just what she needs to reclaim her former life: Nael Junde Majhoul.

Her redemption for his capture.

To save herself, Haven must hunt down the most wanted criminal in the empire and drag him back to the capital, alive...or dead. But Majhoul is no ordinary outlaw. His sole purpose is the empire's destruction, and the Umbral could be a mighty prize for his cause-if he can get his hands on her.

She was forged for loyalty. He was born for ruin.

As she gains a deeper understanding of the insurgents' network, the line between hero and villain begins to blur. Lies and truth weave themselves into a knot she can no longer untie, leaving her questioning the only world she has ever known and her own place in it.

But if she wants to survive the jaws of both Majhoul and the empire, she must decide what she is willing to fight for...and what she is willing to destroy.

When faith shatters, will even the sharpest blade turn?

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An adult romantic fantasy for readers who love enemies-to-lovers slow burn, morally grey characters, and worlds where the truth is the most dangerous weapon of all.

- Enemies to lovers, very slow burn

- Morally grey assassin X most wanted criminal

- Forced proximity & reluctant allies

- Kn!fe to throat tension

- Sarcastic banter & sharp wit

- Dark, immersive world building

- Magic, curses & dangerous creatures