by Brandy Ackerley (Author)
Kuzunoha is running out of options. In just a month she'll be an adult but as the illegitimate younger daughter of a rich noble she can only see two possible futures. Both leave her a pawn in her elder sister's game as family matriarch, a future as unacceptable to Kuzunoha as it is unavoidable.
That changes when Kuzunoha saves the life of a stranger. In return for her help, the stranger offers her a way to have a future that doesn't tie her to her family. He's heard of a forgotten treasure nearby and needs a guide to help him search for it. Her family and friends don't trust this dangerous man's offer, but Kuzunoha accepts, knowing that she can't live the life her sister wants for her anymore.
Will she succeed in proving she can have a life outside of her sister's shadow? Or will it all fall to pieces around her?