The world of the gods is merciless… and so is the world of men.

We grew up with stories of the gods. We know how cruel they can be. But I’ve spent my whole life playing by the rules, trying not to stand out. I know what happened to my mother—standing out was what got her into trouble.
But now, because of the king’s vanity, the goddess Aphrodite is out for blood… mine. Even my father, one of the king’s councilors, can’t save me. Nor can my sister, or my fiancé. But I’m determined I will not let them see...

The world of the gods is merciless… and so is the world of men.

We grew up with stories of the gods. We know how cruel they can be. But I’ve spent my whole life playing by the rules, trying not to stand out. I know what happened to my mother—standing out was what got her into trouble.
But now, because of the king’s vanity, the goddess Aphrodite is out for blood… mine. Even my father, one of the king’s councilors, can’t save me. Nor can my sister, or my fiancé. But I’m determined I will not let them see me tremble, even when the king’s men leave me shackled on the great rock they call Aphrodite’s Pillow.
When I see the shadowed figure emerging from the mist—black cloak, hidden face, a hunter’s stride—I know he must be my executioner. But then, instead of death, the cloaked stranger offers me a bargain. He’ll save my life… in exchange for my freedom.
It’s an impossible choice—bind myself to a monster, or suffer divine vengeance. It’s a choice with only one answer, if I want to live. But waking in a palace in a new, strange realm, I still wonder if I chose wrong. What is a mortal woman to do in a world where everything has been taken from her? Fight back. And guard her heart. I’ve lost my family, I’ve lost my freedom, and I may yet lose my life. But I will not lose my heart. No matter what it says it wants…