An Heir Comes to Rise by Chloe C. Penaranda

Faythe: The protagonist, a skilled human swordswoman yearning for a better life. She discovers newfound powers that complicate her existence.

Nik: A Nightwalker and royal guard, who recognizes Faythe’s abilities and helps her navigate the dangerous path of her new powers.

Jakon: Faythe’s loyal best friend, offering unwavering support amid the chaos that surrounds them.

Marlowe: A blacksmith and oracle who plays a pivotal role in guiding Faythe through her evolving journey.

In the impoverished outskirts of a town ruled by the oppressive fae, humans live in squalor, their lives burdened by their fae overlords. Faythe, a gifted orphan, keeps her extraordinary talents hidden, well aware that exposure could lead to grave consequences. Known for her sharp wit and exceptional swordsmanship, she dreams of escaping her dull life as a baker’s assistant. Faythe shares these ambitions with Jakon, her steadfast best friend, who longs for a life of purpose and wealth. Together, they fantasize about a future where their skills earn them freedom, but they tread carefully, knowing that the ever-watchful fae patrols are a constant threat to anyone who dares to defy the established order.

Faythe’s quiet existence is upended when she catches the attention of Nik, a member of the fae royal guard. Unlike any other fae she has encountered, Nik is a Nightwalker, gifted with the eerie ability to invade dreams. His presence stirs something deep within Faythe, awakening dormant powers that defy her human nature. As these abilities—particularly her newfound capacity for nightwalking—begin to manifest, Faythe is thrust into a world she does not understand, grappling with powers that threaten to unravel her sense of self.

Nik becomes an unexpected ally, offering to help Faythe learn to control her powers. Under his guidance, she hones her nightwalking abilities and sharpens her swordsmanship to a level beyond her wildest imaginings. Nik also reveals shocking truths about her lineage, truths that challenge everything Faythe thought she knew about herself. Their bond deepens, becoming a complicated mix of trust and suspicion, as Faythe quickly learns that survival in this new world demands caution. Trust, she realizes, is a luxury she can scarcely afford.

Despite her growing connection with Nik, Faythe's best friend, Jakon, remains fiercely protective of her. Understanding that she needs a weapon of her own, Jakon secures a sword from Malowe, a resourceful blacksmith who becomes an important figure in their lives. Driven by a desire for independence and financial stability, Faythe eventually joins an underground fighting ring. Her exceptional sword skills make her a standout contender, but her success comes with unforeseen consequences. Nik, who has grown increasingly protective and enamored with Faythe, is furious when he learns how she has been earning her money. Their budding romance is tested when Faythe insists on participating in one final fight, determined to walk away on her own terms.

The final match pits Faythe against a fae male—a guard with a personal vendetta against her. By now, her relationship with Nik has evolved into something more intimate, but Nik refuses to watch the fight, torn between his feelings for her and his disapproval of her choices. The battle is brutal, but Faythe emerges victorious, though not without consequences. The defeated guard, furious at her win, threatens her life, forcing Faythe to make a desperate plan to flee the city.

Before she can escape, Faythe is captured by the guard and delivered to the fae castle. There, she strikes a deal with the ruthless King, offering her loyalty in exchange for the freedom of Jakon and Malowe. The King agrees, but not without a cost—he learns of her nightwalking abilities and decides to use her as a weapon to further his own ambitions. Trapped within the castle walls, Faythe is devastated to learn that Nik, the man who has become her confidant and lover, is not simply a guard, but the fae prince himself.

Betrayed and heartbroken, Faythe must navigate the treacherous politics of the fae court, struggling with the truth of her identity and the weight of her newfound powers. Torn between her duty to the King, her feelings for Nik, and her loyalty to Jakon and Malowe, Faythe stands at a crossroads. Every choice she makes will determine not only the fragile balance between humans and fae but also her own destiny—forcing her to confront her place in a world that seems determined to shape her future without her consent.