Penelope Barsetti

A sickness has claimed the kingdoms of men. Everyone is either sick or dying, weak to a curse that has no cure—except for me. I'm immune to this mysterious illness, and I do my best to heal the sick and ease the pain of the dying. I was supposed to marry the Prince of Raventower, but after his father and elder brother succumbed to the sickness, he's now king—and can only marry someone of his station. Kingsnake, King of Vampires and Lord of Darkness, marches upon our gates and demands a handful of our healthiest citizens. The vampires have always stuck to their lands, but their lack of food has made them desperate. King Elias not only succumbs to his demands—he offers me on the condition that Kingsnake never return. The man I loved betrayed me—and will feed me to a monster. Prisoner to the vampire king, I witness his cruelty and malice first-hand. I knew I would hate him, but I didn't know how much I would hate him. The feeling is mutual, because I can feel the emotions of those around me, and his emotions burn with rage anytime he's in my presence. But the second he tastes my blood, everything changes. His anger is replaced by an intensity I've never felt in my life. It's so powerful it smothers me until I can't breathe. His stare is like wildfire, so searing hot it makes my skin melt. I know he wants me—and he wants me more than anyone else ever has. Even the man I loved never wanted me like this... I would never sleep with a vampire...but Kingsnake is no ordinary vampire.