They lied to me.
They had their reasons. Their holy vows. Their sacred quest. I know all of that. And I don't care. I've left Caliburn. I've spent weeks trying to be normal. To be manageable and unremarkable. If hiding in the dark is what it takes to survive, then so be it. I'm done with trying. But when a stranger suddenly shows up looking for me, the four Caliburn Knights aren't far behind—and now they want forgiveness. Now they're sorry. Now—suddenly—I matter. With no other options, I come back to the only place with answers. Return to my books and studies, and try to figure out the mystery that's—apparently—at the heart of who I am. But there are strings attached. Protection they insist upon. Six-hour shifts, around the clock: four boys with swords, sworn to protect me from enemies I'm only beginning to understand. As if I weren't already the campus outcast, now I have a bodyguard following me everywhere I go. So be it. I trust that they'll keep me safe. I don't need to forgive them to do it. Except that somewhere between the piles of research and the hidden corners of the campus, things change. Like they're starting to… care. Not about me, but for me. Like I'm something too brilliant to stay in the dark. I don't want to give in. The four of them can't give in. And danger won't wait for desire to sort itself out. Because the Consistory—the secret order that oversees their quest—is demanding answers. And there are others in pursuit of the Grail—people who will feed its ancient, terrible, world-changing power with blood. The only truth I know for sure: once their vows get pushed to the breaking point, there's no going back. Only forward. Only together. Or not at all. The Ivory Throne is book two in the Knights of Caliburn University series, a dark academia reverse harem romance where the heroine holds all the cards and her four sworn protectors grovel their way back from betrayal. For mature listeners.
