A Twist of the Blade - S.M. Gaither

Mercenary. Survivor. Queen. Casia Greythorne's world has been shattered. Still reeling from a devastating loss and the revelation of an identity she wasn't ready for, she must now also master the strange magic that's awakening within her. But first she must lead her friends through cursed lands and the dwellings of the gods, away from the crumbling empire and the king-emperor who clutches the crown with ever-bloodier hands. All while knowing the true threat may be someone she came dangerously close to falling for. Elander Revenmar thought he knew who he was. He had a mission, a god he was content to serve. Then came a woman he should have stayed away from; whose life he never should have saved. Because salvation comes with a cost. And some debts must be paid in blood.