BOOKS

Sarah is out of options. Living in her car with no money and no future, she jumps at the chance to work at a big-cat compound, a sprawling facility housing tigers and other exotic animals. It’s not glamorous, but it’s a paycheck. And Vega, the compound’s magnetic owner, makes her feel like she belongs. At first, Sarah tells herself she’s lucky to be there. But the job isn’t just cleaning cages and feeding tigers. She’s expected to perform in elaborate shows, smiling for an audience while the animals obey on command. Behind the scenes, the rules are stricter. The compound isn’t just a sanctuary—it’s home to the Order of Perpetual Youth, a cult that believes blood is the key to eternity. Obedience isn’t optional. And those who try to leave don’t get far. Sarah wants to believe she’s special to Vega, but she isn’t the only one drawn into her orbit. There are other women—devoted, secretive, watching her too closely. She doesn’t know if she can trust them, or if they’d turn on her the moment she steps out of line. With the rituals growing darker and the walls closing in, she has to find a way out. Because if she doesn’t escape soon, she’ll end up like the others—either a loyal disciple or something much worse.