Broken Souls and Bones

In a kingdom ruled by a magic-obsessed king, Lyra Bien tries to live unnoticed until Roark Ashwood, the prince's silent guard, arrives in her village and discovers the truth behind the silver scars in her eyes. Forced to reveal her abilities to protect her best friend, she is claimed by the crown as its next melder—a role both revered and feared. Determined to free herself and her friends from bondage, Lyra must draw information from the brooding Roark, and as they become allies she finds he is not what she first assumed. When a hidden truth surfaces, the two face a choice about the kingdom's future.