The ancient walled city of Dajing is a place of opulence and ceremony, ruled from its centre by the Emperor – and from behind the throne by his formidable mother, the Empress Dowager. Into this world comes Huli, a fox demon who longs to follow her own rules, until she clashes with the corrupt and powerful Qiang family.

Despite the odds, Huli earns the grudging respect of a reclusive martial arts master and rises to become a guard of the Emperor himself. However, life in the Imperial Palace is far more treacherous than she ever imagined. As old enemies stir and a hidden plot threatens both the Imperial Family and herself, Huli must decide whether she can hold fast to who she truly is – or be broken by the forces gathering against her.

published 30th May 2026