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.Can I love a man whom I can't even see? ____________________________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.____________________________Stories set in the world of the River of Mists:Wingless CrowWingless CrowCrownless KingFire in StoneFire in StoneHearts on FireSerpent's TouchSerpent's TouchSerpent's ClaimMadame Tan's FreakshowCall of WaterMadness of the MoonPower of RageNOTE: All duets and trilogies in the River of Mists can be read independently.