A Kiss of Hammer and Flame by Amy de la Force

Here is a summary with spoilers for A Kiss of Hammer and Flame by Amy de la Force

Cahra is a twenty-six-year-old blacksmith living in the oppressive kingdom of Kolyath under the rule of the Steward, who seized power after the royal bloodline disappeared. Although born a commoner, Cahra is an exceptionally talented smith trained by her mentor, Lumsden. She survives by forging weapons for the Steward's soldiers despite hating the regime. When Lord Terryl commissions a sword and tells her she has complete artistic freedom, she forges an ornate blade unlike anything she has ever created. Without understanding why, she engraves an ancient sigil onto the weapon. Unknown to her, the symbol belongs to the long-lost Seers and fulfills the first omen of an ancient prophecy.

Far away, beneath the ruined imperial city of Hael'stromia, the immortal Reliquus Hael awakens after centuries of magical imprisonment. Hael is not simply a weapon but a living being created to serve the prophesied Scion who will restore the empire. The sigil on Cahra's sword signals that the prophecy has begun. Hael realizes the Scion is not the ruler everyone expected, but instead a blacksmith from Kolyath. At the same time, Cahra begins suffering vivid dreams of fire, ancient ruins, and a mysterious man calling to her. These dreams gradually become a magical connection between her and Hael.

Life in Kolyath becomes increasingly dangerous. Cahra is attacked by a starving street boy but chooses to feed and help him rather than kill him, showing compassion despite the harsh laws of the kingdom. She spends more time with Terryl and slowly begins trusting him after learning he secretly trades supplies with the oppressed Wildspeople instead of supporting the Steward. Their friendship develops into romantic attraction, though neither openly admits their feelings. Cahra also struggles with severe trauma and panic attacks caused by torture and imprisonment she endured in the Steward's dungeons years earlier.

Commander Jarett discovers the sigil on Terryl's sword and recognizes it as the symbol tied to the ancient prophecy. The Steward immediately orders Cahra's arrest. Realizing she will be executed if captured, Terryl helps her escape Kolyath. Lumsden stays behind, sacrificing his own safety so Cahra can flee. During the escape, Terryl reveals he has allies working against the Steward, including guards and smugglers who have secretly resisted the regime for years. With disguises and assistance from several companions, they barely escape the city during the Festival of Shadows.

Outside Kolyath while running, Cahra joins Terryl's group, which includes Raiden, Piet, Siarl, Queran, and other loyal companions. They travel through the Wilds while being hunted by Kolyath's soldiers and forces allied with the neighboring kingdom of Ozumbre. Along the journey, Cahra continues experiencing prophetic dreams that reveal fragments of Hael's imprisonment and the ancient empire. She also begins combat training and learns she possesses abilities beyond blacksmithing. The group slowly becomes the family she never had, helping her work through years of fear and isolation.

The travelers encounter the Wildspeople and eventually meet the Seer Wyldaern, one of the few remaining people who understands the prophecy. Wyldaern confirms that Cahra unknowingly fulfilled the first omen and explains that she is tied to the legendary Scion destined to awaken Hael and restore Hael'stromia. Cahra struggles to accept that she could be central to events that will determine the future of multiple kingdoms. Meanwhile, her connection with Hael grows stronger through dreams in which they communicate directly, allowing both to understand each other's loneliness and suffering.

As the group nears Luminaux, Terryl's greatest secret is exposed. His real identity is Prince Thierre of Luminaux, who concealed his royal status while traveling. Cahra feels deeply betrayed because he allowed her to believe he was merely a nobleman. The revelation becomes even more painful when she learns he is politically expected to marry someone else. Although their feelings for each other continue to grow, duty and politics prevent them from openly pursuing a relationship.

In Luminaux, Cahra becomes entangled in court politics. Leaders from multiple kingdoms prepare for growing conflict while trying to interpret the prophecy. The Oracle reveals additional information about the Key, an object necessary to free Hael and restore Hael'stromia. Cahra learns that her dreams are not hallucinations but magical visions connecting the Scion and the Reliquus. The prophecy is revealed to involve restoring the ancient empire rather than simply defeating one tyrant.

War eventually erupts as Kolyath and Ozumbre move against Luminaux. During the fighting, Thierre's life is threatened. Cahra willingly surrenders herself to save him, sacrificing her own freedom. Her capture becomes the catalyst that allows the prophecy to reach its final stages. Hael is finally unleashed, revealing the terrifying extent of his power. He devastates enemy forces, destroying much of the old order that had oppressed the kingdoms for generations. Many important allies die during the conflict, and the victory comes at tremendous cost.

Following the battle, Cahra learns the truth about her past. She discovers she is not an ordinary blacksmith but the hidden heir to the ancient imperial bloodline. Her identity had been concealed throughout her childhood to protect her from those seeking to eliminate the last legitimate ruler. The Oracle explains that every stage of the prophecy—including the sigil, the sword, Cahra's dreams, and Hael's awakening—was designed to lead her toward reclaiming the throne.

Armed with the Key, Cahra enters the ruined city of Hael'stromia and completes the final steps needed to free Hael completely. She accepts her role as the Scion and is crowned Empress, restoring the ancient empire after centuries of ruin. Rather than becoming Hael's master, she chooses to treat him as an equal partner. Their bond, originally forged through prophecy, becomes one based on mutual trust and affection.

The novel ends after the tyrants have fallen and the surviving kingdoms recognize Cahra's authority. Together with Hael, Wyldaern, and her remaining allies, Cahra begins rebuilding Hael'stromia and establishing a new government. She remains deeply affected by the losses she endured, but she chooses to lead with compassion rather than vengeance. The story concludes with the restoration of the empire, the fulfillment of the prophecy, and the beginning of a new era while leaving Cahra's relationships, particularly with Hael and Thierre unfinished.