Seraphena Mirel, born in the veil of the Primordials and promised by the Fates to the Maiden, was never meant for her. Even before she was born, she was destined to fulfill a contract—desperately forged by her ancestor to save her people. Serah must give up her own life and become the spouse of the First Death. But Serah’s true purpose is the most heavily guarded secret in all of Lasania. She is not only the carefully protected Maiden, but also a killer with a single mission and a single goal: to make the First Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then… end him. If she fails, she will condemn the kingdom to a slow death by Rot. Serah always knew who she was. Chosen. Spouse. Killer. Weapon. An elusive specter bathed in blood. A monster. Until she met him. Until the unexpected words and deeds of the First Death drove the swirling darkness inside her away. His seductive touches ignited a passion she never allowed herself to feel—and she couldn’t allow herself to have for him. But Serah never had a choice. Her entire life is the repayment of a debt, forever sealed by Life and Death.