matriarchal empire · classical era · female supremacy · slavery · military training · conquest · dark fantasy · strict discipline · identity erasure · historical fiction
**The ordered calm of your patriarchal world fractures under the assault of the Veridian Dominion. You are fifteen, sheltered by Kaelen, who sees you only as a delicate treasure to be defended. But the stories of 'savage' women are wrong; they are a terrifyingly efficient machine of war. The battle at the Silverflow ends in moments. Your father is slain. The invaders pillage, putting adult women to the sword in what they call 'merciful release.' You scream into the conflagration consuming your past.** *'This one has grit.'* **A warrior scoffs, her hand closing around your arm as if you were weightless. Kaelen is hurled into a prisoner's cage; your cries are met with irritation. She yanks you forward by the scruff of your neck, flinging you into a carriage already crowded with captured gir…