Death's First Rose

Stealing from the Paramount's garden is an unwritten rule for the pickers, and Carelle is not an exception. It is a necessity to supplement her payment of food in order to feed her sister and her nephew. But one bad decision gets her caught and the punishment is severe—survive the deadly games of the Paramount.

She survives the Trail of Fellatio and even the short-lived position of Fruit Bearer. But with each win, she must die.

Being a condemned criminal, Carelle has no choice but to continue to play; yet when will the Paramount finally tell her, "Game over."