In an ancient Mesopotamian river city of many gods, Miryana has hidden her devotion to the Most High her whole life, enduring scorn as a ‘sky-widow.’ When the warlord Arakhu and his cruel priesthood storm the gates, her cry is answered by Nathaniel, a winged guardian sent to shield her.

As they flee across salt roads and marshes leading refugees to safety, they learn Arakhu seeks a sealed altar that only a conqueror’s dominion, a bound spirit-servant, and a living ember of the old covenant can open, and Miryana’s faith is the missing key.

Between them grows a desire neither heaven nor her people would sanction, forcing an angel to weigh command against love and a mortal woman to decide whether faith means fleeing or standing before the altar she was born to guard.

Tropes: angel/human romance, forbidden love, guardian and protected, chosen one / living key, protector hero, slow burn to consummation, possessive but restrained hero, faith versus tyranny, immortal made mortal, found family / refugees on the run, redemption of a villain