by Luna Draven · Epic Orc Romantasy
Nell believes orcs and humans can coexist peacefully. Rhun thinks she's either a spy or dangerously naive. When optimistic human fighter Nell is assigned to guard her village's merchants at the annual Blood Moon harvest festival, she sees it as proof that peace between species is possible. Young orc scout Rhun is certain the cheerful human woman making terrible puns and offering him honey cakes is up to something. No one is that trusting of orcs. Then the Blood Moon rises, ancient magic activates, and vengeful spirits from an old battlefield trap everyone inside the festival grounds. Separated from their groups and hunted by hostile ghosts, Nell and Rhun have until dawn to reach the central shrine and complete the blood sacrifice ritual, or everyone dies. Fighting side by side through the cursed ruins, Nell's relentless optimism challenges Rhun's desperate need to prove himself through reckless heroics. She sees a brave protector beneath his impulsive exterior. He discovers her cheerfulness isn't naivety — it's armor.