I was payment for a debt. I became his obsession.My father didn’t just lose a bet; he lost me. To pay off his gambling debts, he sold me to King Malakai—the ruthless ruler of the Night Court, a mind-reading monster who flays his enemies for sport.I was supposed to be a fragile human sacrifice. I was supposed to tremble, kneel, and beg.But when Malakai used his Command Voice to force the entire court to its knees, I remained standing.Not because I’m brave. Not because I have secret magic.But because I’m dying.I have the Grey Rot. My blood is turning into liquid lead. My body is so heavy I can barely walk, let alone kneel. I have 89 days left before I turn into a solid metal statue.Now, the King is obsessed. He is intrigued by the one girl whose mind is a silent, heavy void he cannot enter. He thinks I’m a powerful mystery to be solved.He doesn't know I'm plotting a heist.Malakai possesses "The Source"—a vial of ancient magic that is the only thing strong enough to purge the rot from my veins. My plan is simple: Play the obedient bride, find the vault, steal The Source, and vanish.I just have to survive the monster falling for my lies... before my heart stops beating.