Smoke in the Sun

For weeks, Mariko pretended to be a boy to infiltrate the notorious Black Clan and bring her would-be murderer to justice. She didn't expect to find a place for herself among the group of fighters - a life of alchemy and usefulness - and she certainly didn't expect to fall in love. But now, with the boy she loves captured and sentenced to execution, she must head to the imperial castle to resume a life she never wanted if she wants any chance to save him.