The Slave - Laurent Delépine

Sixty years have passed since the war that ended the reign of tyrants. Civilization has managed to rebuild itself on the ruins, despite the persistence of pockets of chaos. Yet most of the continent remains deadly. Living on the edge of the habitable zone, Deirane was an unassuming teenager until a drow noticed her and decided to turn her into a work of art. After he marked her, she was forced to flee her village. However, she found love and safety in the arms of a young farmer. Through him, she built a new family, made new friends, and began a fresh chapter in life. But with her distinctive tattoo, she never went unnoticed. Far to the south, Orvbel, the global hub of the slave trade, came into play. The wealthy King Brun learned of the young peasant's existence. He became obsessed with one desire: to possess her. During her brief wanderings, however, Deirane had formed a bond with Saalyn, the most renowned free warrior of Helaria. This formidable woman had already clashed with the slaver city and nearly brought about its downfall. Recently recovering from trials that had left her injured and traumatized, Saalyn had only just resumed her investigations. Though not fully healed, she remained a fearsome opponent. The king realized he must find a way to eliminate her, preferably permanently. Thus began a rivalry between Saalyn and Brun, with nothing less than Deirane's future hanging in the balance.