A reluctant heir. A kingdom already cracking. The hard way is the only way left.
Erramuun wakes petrified by a nightmare: a dark figure, a burning sky, and the name Rayne on his lips. When he and Rayne rescue a girl with gold-lit eyes, they trigger raids, visions, and whispers that the Tyrant may be stirring again.
Heart Guard is sliding toward ruin. Anointed king against his will, Erramuun is sent on a diplomatic journey to win allies-only to find Kassander shrouded by sickness, beasts, and betrayals that look too familiar. Loyalty fractures. Old prophecies tighten. Every vision raises the same demand: master his fear, trust unlikely companions, and learn what leadership costs when the people he loves are already in danger.
If he cannot rescue them and decipher the prophecies in time, darkness will swallow the kingdom. If he fails, his cradle of light will burn.
Epic fantasy for readers who want a reluctant heir, a fracturing kingdom, prophetic visions, and loyalty tested at the edge of ruin.