breath catching at the sight before her. The hall was dimly lit by flickering candles in golden sconces, their flames casting dancing shadows against the high s

He was no mere king. He was a dragon, both cursed and powerful, capable of turning the world to ashes with a single act

yes glowing like smoldering embers. The cold air around him seemed to ripple, charged with the power he could

s. It was rich, deep, like a low growl that seemed to vibrate in her

traying none of the storm that was churning inside of her. Fear. Anger. Desire. Th

er. "I see no fear in your eyes. I would have expected more

his gaze without flinching. "If I am to marry

savoring the challenge she presented. His gaze swept over her slowly, making her skin crawl with a

like silk, but there was something in his tone that made her skin

, standing her ground

left hers, and the intensity of his gaze made her breath hitch in her throat. "From the beast within me," he w

r in with a power that she both feared and craved. It wasn't just the curse that made him dangerous. It was th

e was to b

es again. "If the curse is so strong, then why d

chosen her because of her bloodline, but no one truly knew what drove him. All she knew was tha

ou. The curse did." His fingers brushed lightly across her wrist again, and

does that mean?" she asked, trying to ma

lood has chosen you, Evelynn. And when you marry me, the curse will begin. The power I have kept at bay will awaken, an

. What was he saying? That the moment she said her vows, everything would

heart locked away, away from the dangerous king who se

y said, her voice firmer than

calm before a storm. He reached forward again, but this time, his touch was different. It

, the words lingering in the air. "I will make

n them crackled, filled with the promise of passion, p

oke again, his voice dark and filled with intent. "You'll learn

und, eyes locking with his. She wasn't sure if she was afraid or arous

of the cursed king was undeniable, his power, his aura, the way he could make h

ncess. A sacrifice, yes, but a woman of strength. Her bloodline, too, had power

on was-Would she submit to the cu

contin