Mysterious and tragic, Madame Tan's menagerie is the only home I've ever known. It's a place where two worlds merge, a twilight zone between Earth and the magical Kingdom of Nerifir. The menagerie is filled with fantastic animals, but I discover that Madame captures and displays sentient beings too. One of them is locked in a crate day and night, not seen by anyone, and one day I learn why--looking at him kills. Even talking to Kyllen is forbidden, but I break that rule. I break many rules for him. He wants his freedom and offers me a chance to escape Madame's cruelties. Little do I realize that with Kyllen, my heart is in even greater danger than my life. ____________________________ This book is part 1 of the duet Serpent's Touch, set in Marina Simcoe's world of the River of Mists. It ends with a HFN (Happy For Now), but the story of the main characters continues in part 2, Serpent's Claim. Serpent's Touch is a Romantic Fantasy with MF romance. It contains graphic descriptions of intimacy and is intended for mature readers. Books in the world of the River of Mists: Crownless King Fire in Stone Hearts of Fire Serpent's Touch Serpent's Claim