Shadow War — Deborah Chester

For nine centuries the Emperor Kostimon has ruled the land. But this wondrous immortality stems from a bargain with the very source of evil itself--the Dark lord Beloth. Notit; as Kostimon's tenth and final lifetime begins, the shadow god is growing restless...

As the aging emperor awaits the crowning of his empress, Elandra Albain, forces of evil conspire to destroy the kingdom of Imperia. Whispers of treason come from those closest to the emperor, including his own son. Pure of spirit, Elandra remains untouched by the shadow god, but she senses his return. With darkness descending, Elandra finds her destiny joined with another's...

Possessing the magic of a healer and a warrior's might, Caelan E'non has risen from lowly slave to champion gladiator. And when the dark lord and his minions overtake the castle, he will find Elandra's life--and the future of the empire--in his hands.