Ever since selling herself into servitude to pay for her brother's failed surgery, Shay's life hasn't felt worth living. Existence as a scullery maid to a family of Saints is degrading, and it's impossible not to resent their wealth, agelessness, and immortality. But Saints are the only ones capable of slaying the ravenous ghouls who stalk the shadows of the Heavenly Isles. The only ones strong enough to venture down to the deadly Mistwilds below and bring back its riches. They rule the civilized world, and rightfully so—according to scripture, at least.

As death becomes the only escape day-dreamer Shay can truly hope to achieve, even that wish is snatched away. A mysterious Saint arrives to claim her as "tribute," dragging her into the shrouded world of Sainthood and its many blood-soaked secrets. Secrets which, if she'd only known them before, could have saved her brother. Secrets which set her on a path of vengeance. Newly transformed, Shay gains incredible strength and abilities at the cost of her humanity. But that doesn't bother her—after all, only humans care about humanity, and she's anything but.

Unfortunately, she's still got nothing on the more experienced Saints she intends to destroy. Shay's bitten off more than she can chew, and the only way she'll ever have a chance of taking down her enemies is to get even stronger. And that means eating people. A lot of people.

*This story is an entry in the January 2024 Royal Road Magazine Contest*