Because the Beasts Came: A Dark Romantic Fantasy (Wells of Istri Book 1)

About this book

In a world ravaged by monsters and brutal gangs, Iryana serves as a guardian for her struggling clan, fighting to protect their last remaining settlement. As their resources dwindle, the only hope for survival lies in the ancient magic of the metal-wells, which are held captive by ruthless military brigades. To save her people, Iryana must infiltrate one of these dangerous factions and forge her magic within their walls, risking discovery at every turn. Navigating a landscape of killers and liars, Iryana finds herself caught in a high-stakes game of survival. The brigade’s calculating leader recognizes her potential, while a bitter, haunted soldier—who seemingly wants her gone—finds himself repeatedly saving her life. As she plunges deeper into the enemy's inner circle, the lines between duty and desire begin to blur. Featuring a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic, this dark fantasy is packed with aching tension and emotional stakes. Iryana is a heroine torn between her loyalty to her clan and the unexpected connection forming with the very people she was meant to deceive. In a place where trust is a death sentence, she must decide if the price of survival is worth losing herself.