Ashes of an Empire (Blood & Dust)

In the aftermath of the battle with his former mentor, Alec St.John finds himself thrust deeper into the perilous world of vampire politics. His newfound powers are both a blessing and a curse as they draw the attention of the Obsidian Assembly - a council of ancient lords who see him as either an ally, enemy, or pawn. At the forefront of this pressure is the enigmatic Octavian Dragos, whose careful scheming pushes Alec to claim Justinian's former seat in the Assembly, whether he wants it or not.As Alec fights to keep his independence, he must also deal with the unintended fallout of his actions that Halloween night one year ago. The Sanguis Magica, the cursed grimoire that, twice now, has nearly destroyed him, has left a debt on the redhead that’s not easily paid. Shadows from the past bleed into the present, and secrets buried deep within the pages of a long-forgotten journal threaten to unravel everything Alec and the vampire hunters of St.Michael’s Sentinel know about his nature.Meanwhile, Josef, tethered to the living world as a restless spirit, is haunted by more than just his tragic death. Memories he thought lost begin resurfacing, forcing him to confront a past that grows more entangled with his nephew’s fate. At the same time, Andrew - a young teen bound to Alec and Josef by friendship - struggles to balance his humanity with his monstrous nature. Navigating school, supernatural threats, and the weight of survival, he quickly learns that ignorance is no longer an option.As Alec, Josef, and Andrew confront enemies both new and old, they are forced to ask: How far must one go to break free from the chains of the past - and at what cost? Read more