Where the Dragons Sleep

Adeline has spent a decade clawing her way through the ranks of the private guard tasked with protecting the royals at Emberhold Palace, in the city of Caldera. Her specialized skill set makes her a valuable asset, as she is useful at eliminating the Shades. They are the remnants of the monstrous Umbra Curse, cast by the last Umbra Dragon King upon his death two centuries ago. When her best friend vanishes on a mission to break the Umbra King's curse on the Old Kingdom, details about the history they've all been told begin to transform. Secrets and betrayals stalk her every step, and she must decide if she will confront the reality that the version of history told by the victors very seldom reflects the full story. As the realm of Ilion crumbles, plagued by shades, the growing instability of the magic in the Wilds, and a lack of resources due to the curse in the south, Adeline must also contend with her own transformation. Her suspicion about her new shifting ability will make her and her family a target, due to the empire's widespread rancor towards dragon shifters, who are known to be allied to the dreaded Umbra bloodline. Especially after garnering the suspicion of her commander, the General and Crown Prince. Forced to confront the darkness within herself, in literal ways, Adeline must navigate a treacherous path, balancing her duty to the realm with her own survival. Aided by a mysterious queen and an ancient warrior race, Adeline forms a precarious alliance as she delves deeper into the secrets of her family and decides exactly what she's willing to give up in order to discover what the Gods and the Fates have in store for them all. Perhaps saving her friend along the way.