A Kingdom This Cursed and Empty (Kingdom of Lies, Book 2) by Stacia Stark

In a realm shrouded in deceit, truth emerges as an unwavering light, exposing the stark betrayals of Lorian, the notorious Bloodthirsty Prince. His reign of terror has left a trail of blood, weaving into the fabric of my own haunting past. Even my parents fell victim to his ruthless slaughter.

To secure my brother's life, I struck a reluctant bargain with the fae prince, condemning myself to collaboration with my betrayer. King Sabium, orchestrating wicked schemes, manipulates unsuspecting pawns in a deadly game. The path ahead forces me into the fae lands, where alliances with former enemies become essential for the impending war.

There are no boundaries I won't breach to shield those I love. Manipulation, blackmail, and deceit become tools in the arsenal against the impending darkness. Swallowing my pride, burying my shattered heart, I cooperate with the fae in a desperate bid to prepare for the looming conflict.

Yet, amidst the fae's cunning, a more insidious threat emerges—monstrous beings masquerading as men. The intricate dance of survival unfolds, and I find myself entangled in a perilous game of deception and collaboration. As the puppeteer king weaves a deadly tapestry, love and duty compel me to navigate this treacherous terrain, where the fate of the kingdom teeters on the brink. The stakes are high, and I must risk everything for the realm or succumb to the malevolent forces lurking in the shadows.