"Darkness lurks in the shadows as a betrothed princess navigates her newly manifested magic-and a forbidden attraction-that threatens to shatter the link she shares with her beloved bonded horse, only to discover that both might be the answer to winning her people's freedom. Zara has never felt worthy as the daughter of her tribe's Queen. She has inherited the duty as First Daughter, next in line to lead her people, but she hasn't inherited what matters most-her mother's Earth magic. Every day, her people and their horse companions are closer to losing the war against the Eagle Riders. They know if that happens, the enemy will ravage their land and destroy any remains of their culture. But when a rider attacks Zara herself, she suddenly manifests a Wind magic powerful enough to knock giant eagles from the sky. With this power, Zara could change the tide of the war. But her power comes at a terrible price: the slow destruction of the psychic bond with her horse. So when a treaty is proposed in exchange for her hand in marriage to the enemy's emperor, Zara makes the sacrifice. She soon finds that the emperor's palace is even more hostile than the battlefield. Lurking inside is a magic darker than anything she's ever seen-and one that her future husband is set on unleashing. Sworn to protect the future empress, Commander Talon of the Eagle Riders quickly realizes that Zara is more than she seems. She is the key to keeping the emperor from destroying the kingdom. But as they fight their growing attraction, Talon and Zara must unite their people and uncover the truth about her power...even if it costs them everything"-- Provided by publisher.