A cosy, laugh-out-loud romantasy that poses the age-old question: do heroes and villains always have to fight? Immortal necromancer Hawthorne has spent centuries battling the Hero Reborn, each reincarnation rising to thwart his plans for domination. After his twelfth defeat, he retreats to the mountains for a quiet life-until the Hero returns once more. Disguised as a novice, the nerdy Hero Jemison infiltrates Hawthorne's ranks to uncover his weaknesses. Instead, he finds someone unexpectedly charming, caring...and attractive. Worse, Hawthorne's vision for the world isn't entirely wrong. As their bond deepens, Jemison must confront fate, failing stamina, and his growing feelings for his greatest enemy. Are they destined to destroy each other-or can they finally break the cycle?