The Shadow King’s Bargain

When desperate scholar Elara Vance breaks into a forbidden auction to save her dying mother, she never expects to cross paths with Kaelen Blackwood—the immortal ruler of Chicago's supernatural underworld. The world knows him only as the Shadow King: a creature of ancient power, a collector of forbidden relics, and a master of dark bargains. To him, Elara is a curiosity—a mortal thief with a brilliant mind and a soul too stubborn to break. To save her family, Elara must accept his impossible offer: become his personal antiquarian, live in his fortress of glass and shadows, and decode the cursed ledger that binds his empire. But the deeper she delves into Kaelen's world of monsters and ancient magic, the more she uncovers a truth that could destroy them both. Bound by a deal neither can escape, their connection becomes a war of will and desire. And in a city built on blood and secrets, every bargain demands a price. Perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Laura Thalassa, and Scarlett St. Clair, The Shadow King's Bargain is a haunting blend of gothic fantasy, forbidden romance, and dark power—where the heart is the most dangerous weapon of all.