A clawed prince. A deal with a djinni. A wounded soldier she must not fall for.

In the city of Carra, gateway to the Southern Desert, Lyra’s life is quiet and small. Trapped in the household of her selfish and ambitious but dim-witted, merchant brother, Khalik, she finds purpose in Carra’s healing sanctuary. But then Khalik makes a new friend…the clawed prince.

Lyra’s beauty is the draw, and as part of a bargain with her brother, Prince Altair presents her with a series of ever-more ornate and beautiful dresses. But even bargains have a price, and the cost will be Lyra herself.