When pasts collide with the present, and secrets are revealed, will love be enough? Or will one lie destroy it all? When you've hidden behind a mask for so long, would you reveal yourself for love? Serena has a bright future etched in stone. Tristan has a dark past that haunts him. Together, they have a love that can never be.Sheltered, and unable to escape her bloodline, Serena St. Michael has spent the last two years training at the Royal Protector Academy. Struggling with a dark past, Tristan Gallagher's current assignment is to protect a lifetime of secrets. One chance encounter will change everything. Serena must decide if she will follow her heart, forsaking all she's ever known and risking a future worse than non-existence. Tristan will break every rule to save Serena, even if he can't keep her. In their world of darkness, one love will ignite an ancient war. ********** 2017 Penned Con Award Nominee for Best Audiobook **********Vernal is the first novel in The Royal Protector Academy series. A dangerously exciting and darkly romantic tale that will take your breath away. It can be read as a stand-alone trilogy, or after the bestselling Revelation Series. Intended for mature readers 18+ due to language, mild violence, and sexual situations.