The last person I expect to ask me a favor is the headmistress of Blood Rose Academy, Aurea Grimsbane.

But when she tells me her daughter, Vivian, has been brutally murdered, I can guess what's coming next...

Yep, Aurea wants me to figure out what happened to Vivian. Of course, my first answer is a resounding 'no' because I want nothing to do with that backstabbing witch.

But when she threatens the safety of my family, claiming she's stolen a bone dagger from the would-be Queen of Winter, Janara, my ears perk up.

Why? Because that dagger will kill me, and I don't want to leave my boys without a mother.

So, yes, Aurea has me between a rock and a hard place, and this is one mystery I begrudgingly realize I'll have to unravel.

Good thing I have my husband (in name only) Maverick by my side. Though it doesn't help that my feelings for him are crossing into dangerous territory...