Night Tide. Night Tide Trilogy, Book 1

#1 New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan makes her adult romantasy debut with this sultry, gothic-infused tale of a magic-wielding princess bound to a shadow-cursed kingdom-and the dangerously irresistible prince whose secrets could destroy them both-in the vein of Fourth Wing meets The Vampire Diaries. Embrace the dark. Aurora Evanselier's graduation from Invictus Mage Academy is meant to be the most unforgettable night of her life.
The glittering ball is supposed to begin with music and dancing and end with a single choice: which of the empire's four ruling kingdoms she'll serve with her formidable magic. As the emperor's daughter, everyone expects Aurora to choose Daybreak, the most powerful kingdom in the empire. But when her father collapses, only one man can save him-Malek Ravenstorm, the brooding, magnetic prince of Night Tide.
Malek has never forgiven the emperor for executing his brother, but he offers Aurora a deal: his healing magic, in exchange for her allegiance. Desperate to save her father, she agrees. Now Aurora is bound to a kingdom rumored to harbor witches and vampires, where the castle hides forbidden wings, and nothing is what it seems-especially Malek. He's infuriating. Irresistible. Dangerous. And determined to keep her in the dark.
But Aurora didn't trade her freedom to become a pawn. As whispers of a curse stir and Night Tide's mysteries deepen, she uncovers a truth that threatens everything she thought she knew. Because the darkest secret of all isn't Malek's. It's hers. Night Tide begins a steamy, high-stakes romantasy trilogy where magic is power, desire is dangerous, and the shadows hold answers that can't survive in the light.
TROPES YOU'LL FIND IN NIGHT TIDE: Magical academy Brother rivalry (with Vampire Diaries' Stefan-Damon vibes) Enemies-to-lovers romance Found friendship Royals with secret identities Mysterious creatures that roam the night Bound by curses and fate