Since childhood, Night River suffered under her stepmother’s cruelty, struggling to support herself and her ailing mother alone. When Jonalyn Moor, the famed Champion Marquis (and the River family’s chosen fiancé for Night’s half-sister, Moon River), was shot in public, Night helped him fake his death. The Emperor and Jonalyn used this deception to expose their enemies. But Moon River’s family refused to let her become a "widow"—so they forced Night to take her place in the marriage. What began as a scheme, however, became Night’s chance for freedom… and perhaps, even love.
