Of Thorns and Ashes

Cyrus Village Thorns has literally been the thorn in my side for centuries. I'm tired of their sacrifices, and after what happened to my brother, I'm even more determined to thwart the higher power that condemned us to this fate. But when I can't fight the pull to collect my annual sacrifice, the little redhead might just be my undoing. She's feisty and won't let me ignore her no matter how hard I try. I can't be swayed from my purpose, though—even if it means I have to burn Village Thorns and my entire kingdom to ashes.