Black Pearl: An Epic Black Mermaid Romantasy (Chronicles of Zaire, Book 1) by Olivia Nightingale (Pre-Order)

On the ruthless high seas of Zaire, pearl huntress Theodosia Harmony hides forbidden tide magic that will get her killed.

For centuries, the nations of sea, sky, and soil have waged war, trapping those blessed with magic in its deadly wake. When her parents are captured, Theodosia strikes a desperate bargain with a devious sea goddess. Extracting a horrific price, the deity shackles her to a lethal ultimatum: she must slay the prince of the sea for his sacred scale, or forfeit her soul.

Driven into exile by traitors, Nauticus, the deposed Crown Prince of Alkelan, rescues the drylander woman clinging to life in the deep. He is drawn to her iridescent skin—scales she considers a disease, but to him look like precious shards of his sunken kingdom. When her hypnotic tide song whispers into his mind, he claims her as his queen.

To reclaim his throne, Nauticus lures her into binding her magic to the coral crown. Tethered by an ancient marriage spell, he demands her power for his protection. What begins as a heartless alliance for shared vengeance ignites a dangerous obsession when the ruthless prince is utterly unraveled by the bride he is destined to lose.

Trapped as reluctant allies, both drown in lethal secrets. While Nauticus hides his fierce devotion behind a mask of royal fury, Theodosia battles a dangerous temptation to trust her enemy. But survival requires betrayal, and she still harbors the truth of the knife she must drive into his gills.

Forced to navigate a marriage forged in blood, Theodosia must choose to destroy the husband who stole her birthright, or face the wrath of the gods.

Mated to magic, fated to die, and forsaken by the gods—it's up to them to save the world, or kill each other trying.

85% DRM-Free ebook available during the pre-order campaign! Expected Release Date: May 23, 2027