Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent

The Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent—featuring The Serpent and the Wings of Night, The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King, and the companion novella The Songbird and the Heart of Stone—is a dark, high-stakes romantic fantasy set in a brutal world ruled by vampires.

The main duology follows Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Vincent. To survive in a kingdom where she is viewed as mere prey, Oraya must enter the Kejari: a legendary, once-a-century tournament hosted by the Goddess of Death. The prize is a single wish granted by the goddess, which is Oraya's only hope for permanent safety. To survive the deadly trials, she is forced to ally with Raihn, a rival vampire from an enemy faction. Raihn is ruthless, charming, and dangerous, but as they fight side-by-side, their alliance deepens into a fierce, forbidden romance. However, only one competitor can win the Kejari, forcing them to choose between their hearts and their survival.

As political conspiracies unfold and a bloody war for the throne erupts, the series expands to explore the devastating cost of power, grief, and betrayal. Complete with the companion story of Mische, a vampire seeking redemption, this dark fantasy offers a perfect blend of gladiatorial action, complex political intrigue, and a passionate, enemies-to-lovers romance where trust is the deadliest weapon of all.