Rowen

Every small town harbors its secrets—some darker than others.

None are more sinister than the one we carry.

Blackwater Falls thrives on its macabre annual ritual, where twelve souls are sent into the unforgiving mountains during harvest season, bound to a deadly game where only one returns alive.

We call these grim games The Scourge, and this year, I’m not merely hoping to be chosen—I’m determined to be offered up as a sacrifice.

For that will be my penance and, hopefully…my absolution.

Elias

Little doe-eyed Rowen Hawthorne believes she can escape the wrathful storm brewing inside me by getting selected for the Harvest Dozen, but she underestimates the lengths I will go to for my vengeance.

I won’t let anyone take her from me.

Rowen’s shattered existence is a puzzle I intend to reconstruct in my cruel design. If being chosen for The Scourge gives me the chance to exact my revenge on her, then I will wholeheartedly embrace the role of the hunter.

I’m not afraid of the dark—I am the dark.

If absolution is her end game, then I’ll make sure to steal it away from her.

She should tremble in fear, for once the games begin, every secret, every breath, will lead to her downfall... and my ultimate triumph.