Rowena has always kept her distance in the dim archive, her assertive demeanor a shield against the abandonment she dreads above all. But Julia's arrival changes everything, the crimson demoness with curving horns bringing an ancient loneliness that matches her own hidden need.

The rival's departure leaves them inches apart, hands touching the ledger as the vault's low lights cast shadows across Julia's sinuous form. Rowena feels the demoness's hunger to claim her through the marking and breeding ritual, a power exchange that promises to consume her fears and bind them together.

The Blood Moon draws near, and the rival waits to interfere. Can Rowena surrender to the demoness before her terror severs the bond forever?