Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder — book slip

Yelena and Valek have forged an unbreakable bond, transcending borders and forming a family amidst the chaos of impending war.

As their homelands teeter on the brink of conflict, they must use their magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia.

Yelena is determined to break the hold of Theobroma, a substance that destroys resistance to magical persuasion, while Valek uncovers layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander.

At the heart of the conspiracy lies a powerful magician whose discovery could change everything. With bounty hunters on her trail, Yelena must make a dangerous deal, while Valek's discoveries could either save or doom them all.