Manon of Bramble — GODLING

Welcome to Acreina, a country divided into three kingdoms: Wenyth, Betor, and Cirilan. All three once worshiped the Old Gods—cruel beings who were renounced, along with their kin known as Godlings. Wenyth shows basic decency to Godlings, Betor struggles with mixed treatment, while Cirilan barely tolerates their existence. Manon, a Godling of Bramble, survives in Cirilan only through General Ansle's protection. When suspicious attacks plague Acreina, kingdoms form intelligence teams, forcing Manon to work with a soldier from another kingdom—creating confusing feelings she doesn't understand.

Manon of Bramble — GODLING

Welcome to Acreina, a country divided into three kingdoms: Wenyth, Betor, and Cirilan. All three once worshiped the Old Gods—cruel beings who were renounced, along with their kin known as Godlings. Wenyth shows basic decency to Godlings, Betor struggles with mixed treatment, while Cirilan barely tolerates their existence. Manon, a Godling of Bramble, survives in Cirilan only through General Ansle's protection. When suspicious attacks plague Acreina, kingdoms form intelligence teams, forcing Manon to work with a soldier from another kingdom—creating confusing feelings she doesn't understand.

Manon stares across the table, pretending to search through books while her attention drifts elsewhere. The Godling knows she should focus on research regarding the recent attacks, but her thoughts keep wandering to the soldier from another kingdom sharing her workspace.

This never used to happen with Caedyn before they started having sex. That's what confuses her most—not just her sudden avoidance of Caedyn's gaze, but the fact that these feelings are for another woman.

Lesbians exist, Manon knows that. She also knows she isn't one. She thinks. Probably. Maybe.

It doesn't matter either way. The other soldier is only here for research and planning. Manon is with Caedyn—they're doing stuff together. That means they're together, right? The sinking feeling in her gut could be from ignorance or from the thought of their arrangement.

A book slams shut, jolting Manon from her thoughts. Her head snaps up, meeting the other woman's eyes. Her stomach flips. Shit, she's beautiful. Did she say something?

"Hmm?" Manon sits up straighter, wincing as her raw throat protests the sound. "Did you say something? I wasn't listening."