A crown is always heavy, or it is not a crown.

Maeve Almeida thought she had left other worlds behind her 15 years ago. Back when she crowned her friend Sebastian as the new high king of the Five Realms.

But as years passed and the way between the worlds remained closed to her, she began to put her memories to paper. Much to her surprise, her stories gained a moderate cult following, were adapted to film, and she soon found herself a C-list celebrity with a wide audience.

Now, at a fantasy convention in downtown LA, Maeve sees someone who may as well have walked straight out of the pages of her books.

Rodan, a Fae noble and former king of the Five Realms, has searched the worlds over for Maeve - 50 years eaten up in the pursuit. Fueled by simple revenge at first, time passed and Rodan saw what befell his beloved Realms, urging him into a search of desperation. He needs Maeve in order to run the trial and take back the throne that was once his.

When Rodan finds her at last, he is thankful only 15 of her years have passed and that she is still the strong, resplendent woman he remembers.

The woman whom he once offered everything.

Now, Rodan must convince Maeve to help him save the Realms. Bringing her back into his world, he reveals to her the truth; that the friend she once revered has turned into a mad king.

The alliance the two must strike is built on a foundation of misunderstandings, and as they navigate their way through the Realms and all its perils, greater emotions begin to unfurl.

For those left wondering “What next?” when the heroine finishes her quest, Catching Pathways offers an answer.

Content warning: Audiobook includes strong adult themes, up to and including depictions of physical, emotional, and sexual violence.