Rune - Chelsea Day Chevalier

Divine marks used to mean prestige.

Now, to be marked means death.

Milena Clarke is almost a young woman, one who would rather practice with her daggers than attend late-night balls. She dreads her introduction to high society, her aunt's suffocating attention, and the snide glances of the Elite. Instead of living faraway adventures, Milena is trapped in the isolationist city of Steelton, evading unwanted suitors and sneaking over Slum lines to see her friends before curfew.

But when a divine Defender mark appears on her skin, Milena discovers more adventure than she ever dreamed of-or feared. Steelton's twisting, gaslit streets hide dark secrets: beautiful assassins, an all-seeing Shepherd, and a prophet intent on taking over her life. In Steelton's underbelly, alliances shift like sand. In the darkness, she uncovers secrets that make her doubt her own memories, that make her question everything she once knew to be true. Who can Milena trust?

Time is running out. There's only a few days before the Holy Festival, when her family is due to be publicly executed.

Will Milena confront her past and master the magic branded into her skin, or will she risk the lives of her loved ones-

-and realize the cost is too high?

Rune is an emotionally-charged queer fantasy with Steampunk elements, including mechanical animal companions, espionage, daggers, government takedown, corsets, and a proper emphasis on the importance of tea time.