He was never meant to be a hero. Rory Daleroch preferred numbers to swords, order to chaos. As Hoard Guardian, he protected his family's legacy while his brothers chased glory across the world. Until the day everything was taken. Now his home lies in ruins. His brothers are gone. And an ancient evil-older than memory and hungry for dominion-has awakened. What began as whispers in the dark has become a force capable of consuming entire worlds. With no one left to stand against it, Rory must become what he never wanted to be: a leader. In this gripping epic fantasy adventure, Rory must rally warriors, mages, and unlikely allies to face a rising darkness. Along the way, bonds are forged in fire and fate-including threads of dragon romance that challenge loyalty, identity, and destiny itself. But the world is not what it seems. It is filled with supernatural creatures, ancient powers, and hidden realms where survival is never guaranteed-and trust can be as dangerous as any enemy. This is not a battle for glory. This is a war for everything. And when the final stand comes, victory may demand a price Rory cannot afford to pay. When the last flame falls... who will rise from the ashes?
