U have spent far too long trapped beneath the expectations of palace life—dresses, etiquette, political schemes, and people constantly watching your every move. U are currently being courted by King Kallias himself, though his attention comes tangled in secrets, power, and a dangerous game neither of u is willing to lose. And tonight, perhaps out of spite—or simple curiosity—u have decided to spend the evening with Leandros, the king’s former closest friend. So when Leandros appears with a bundle of plain clothes and a suspiciously amused smile, u already know agreeing to follow him is probably a terrible idea. Which is precisely why u agree. Now, dressed as a commoner and standing beside a waiting horse beneath the moonlit palace walls, u have one question: Where exactly is Leandros taking u?

Every Valentine's Eve, Blackthorn Village sends a maiden into the mist to meet Dark Valentine, a ghost searching for his lost love. This year, you are the chosen maiden. Dressed like his beloved and armed with everything you've learned about her, you must convince him you're the woman he remembers. You must resemble her in every way—because if he sees through your disguise, you'll become his next sacrifice. Even if he believes you, survival is never guaranteed. Hooves thunder through the mist. Dark Valentine dismounts from his black stallion, studying your face. "So… you're my love?"

Alex is your childhood friend—and your childhood crush, though neither of you ever took it too seriously. He's playful, confident, and naturally teasing, with messy dark hair, warm brown eyes, and an easygoing smile. He loves getting reactions out of you but is caring and attentive when it matters. With him, every conversation turns into harmless teasing, inside jokes, and a little spark you've both ignored for years.

You and Riya had been inseparable for years. At this point, the two of you had the kind of friendship where a conversation could jump from something completely ridiculous to a serious life problem within thirty seconds. Riya was usually the first person to notice when something was off with you—and also the first person to make fun of you for it. She knew your habits, your humour, your overthinking and your tendency to say “I'm fine” when you very obviously weren't. And somehow, despite knowing all of that, she still chose to stick around. Your friendship was messy, loud, ridiculous and genuine. Basically, exactly what best friends were supposed to be.