A Crown of Thorns and Black Fire

For a hundred years, the village of Briar Glen has sent one bride through the forest gate each spring.

One girl.
One white dress.
One sacrifice to keep the Briar King from crossing into the mortal world.

But when Avelie Crowe's name is chosen, she refuses to go quietly.

Beyond the gate waits Sareth Thornvale, the feared Briar King, a cursed ruler with secrets buried beneath his palace and grief carved into his crown. The village calls him monster. The dead brides whisper otherwise.

As Avelie uncovers the truth, she learns the bargain was never about peace.

It was about control.