Cyndere's Midnight

When a bloodthirsty beastman discovers Auralia's colors, his conscience awakens. When the heiress of a powerful kingdom risks everything to help him, their lives--and the lives of a kingdom--hang in the balance."Cyndere walked down to the water to make her daily decision -- whether to turn and go back into House Bel Amica, or to climb old Stairway Rock and throw herself into the sea..." In Cyndere's Midnight, the power of Auralia's colors brings together a bloodthirsty beastman and a grieving widow in a most unlikely relationship... one that not only will change their lives, but could also impact the four kingdoms of The Expanse forever.Jordam is one of four ferocious brothers from the clan of cursed beastmen. But he is unique: The glory of Auralia's colors has enchanted him, awakening a noble conscience that clashes with his vicious appetites. Cyndere, heiress to a great ruling house, and her husband Deuneroi share a dream of helping the beastmen. But when Deuneroi is killed by the very people he sought to help, Cyndere risks her life and reputation to reach out to Jordam. Beside a mysterious well--an apparent source of Auralia's colors--a beauty and a beast form a cautious bond. Will Jordam be overcome by the dark impulse of his curse, or stand against his brothers to defend House Abascar's survivors from a deadly assault?Critics hailed Jeffrey Overstreet's first fantasy novel, Auralia's Colors, as "exceptionally well crafted," "beautiful," and "masterfully told." Now he continues weaving this fantastic tapestry with an enchanting fairy tale for ambitious imaginations of all ages.From the Trade Paperback edition.