The Wicked One

Clodia was known as the city’s first beauty—a beloved and pampered daughter, a enviable bride with a rich dowry. Everything changed one evening when her magic awakened. But it wasn’t the magic anyone expected from her. Her hair, once black, turned silver; her family name became forbidden; and the obligations of a good daughter were replaced by a duty to the empire.

Three years until the long-awaited freedom. It won’t be like before anymore, but… she only has to hold out. Yet how, if your gift is to be an amplifier for a real mage? A mage who should be hated, but…

1. A story in which terrifying fairy tales come to life.

2. The magical atmosphere of a city where magic lives: the roar of a mountain river, golden autumn, fig pastries, streets wrapped in living fog—and palaces, one of which may become a trap.

3. The everyday life of servants of magical law and order.

4. Feelings that flare up not right away.

5. A funny, clever opossum.