The Golden Citadel (The Golden Citadel, Book 1)

We only bow to the God of War In a citadel always at war, the strongest warriors rule. Ellie is nobody – a lowly apprentice with faded, half-useless magic. Survival is her only goal. Until Stella, the citadel’s all-seeing governor, starts singling Ellie out for special attention: secret training, a coveted ticket to the Commander’s Ball…and dangerous proximity to Mace Hardfield, the deadliest fighter alive. But Stella's interest isn’t about romance. There’s a secret in Ellie’s blood, one that could shatter their war-hungry world — and put Mace squarely in her path, whether as ally, rival, or something far more dangerous. Ellie came here to survive. But she might just bring the whole world to its knees.