My earliest memory isn’t one of fire and falling, of pain and fear and sorrow too great for a child. That’s what people believe it is. That’s what I tell them it is when Aba has me speak to small, trusted bands of slaves to encourage them. But that’s a lie. It’s one of my memories—a strong one that weaves itself into my nightmares, forcing me awake drenched in sweat and tears. But when I soothe myself back to sleep, I remember my earliest memory is actually of sitting on my ima’s lap, dangling a flower in front of my baby brother’s face while she sings us a lullaby.

Lia Benarvela was born with a different name, similar but different—Asil Liani Hara Elisya. The two names signify her two roles as slave and savior, though she’s often had difficulty reconciling being both at the same time. When an unexpected move from the emperor forces her back into the palace that makes up the setting of her nightmares, Lia knows that plans have changed.

But when she rushes ahead in a desperate effort to fulfill her destiny, she ends up becoming a trophy of the empire rather than a rescuer. Now, with freedom hanging in the balance, she has to learn how to use her voice to keep her promise before her worst fear comes to life.

Liani is the second in the "Tales from Cassidy" series of interconnected stand-alone novels. They can be read in any order.

CW: This book contains references to the trauma of enslavement, physical abuse, and implied sexual abuse.