Have you ever had to tear your entire life down to the bedrock just to survive?

For three years, Cressa lived in a gilded cage. To the man who held the key, she wasn’t a partner—she was property, a prize, a transaction to command. But every cage has a breaking point. When he demanded an unforgivable act, a long-suppressed spark of defiance finally ignited. One word was all it took to shatter her world and set her free: “No.”

Now, bruised but fiercely unbroken, Cressa is on the run. Her desperate escape leads her away from the trauma of her past and straight into an unexpected sanctuary: the vibrant backstage world of a Renaissance Costuming Pageant.

In Renaissance of Self: Part 1 – The Escape, you will experience an era reborn through modern eyes. This isn’t just a story about running away; it’s a story about finding pieces of yourself through self-reflection and finding a dream. Wrapped in the rustle of handmade gowns and the supportive embrace of a creative community, Cressa begins the grueling journey of self-discovery.

She finds shelter with Esther, a brilliant competitor whose hands bring history to life, and Jenna, a fiercely protective tutor. Together, they begin to stitch Cressa back together, one thread at a time.

But the ordinary world she escaped has a long, terrifying reach. Her ex, Dalton, and his crew are hunting her down. Can she truly find a phoenix rebirth, or is she just trading one gilded cage for another?

Escape the ordinary today! Renaissance of Self: Part 1 – The Escape by Tara Lionheart is available now in both paperback and digital formats on Amazon!

Step Behind the Curtain:

This novel is jam-packed with authentic details of Renaissance attire, pageantry culture, and the healing power of found family. If you love deep, character-driven drama, beautiful textiles, and intricate world-building, this journey is waiting for you.

Want to dive deeper into the Universe of Aiyon, unlock exclusive character portraits, or listen to raw behind-the-scenes audio? Consider supporting our journey on Patreon or Ko-Fi to help us keep creating without the grind.