a fortress, jagged and imposing. Beneath the darkened sky, the world seemed alive with ancient magic, as if the land itself could hear

ilent except for the storm of t

his have be

agon Lord who ruled these lands. He was a king bound by fate, hi

her people and her life would be sealed. Her heartbeat thudded in her chest, each pulse a

-this magnetic pull, this heat between them. Darius was a man who wore his curses on his skin. His eyes gleamed with a dangero

Her maid entered, holding the delicate gown

with a bow. "The king awaits

e king awaited her. The Drago

ld make even the hungriest of men gasp in delight. Candles flickered from chandeliers overhead, casting a warm golden g

l, the room fell silent. E

figure loomed, as if the very space around him bent to his will. His eyes, those haunting crim

d yet, beneath the chill of his presence, there was

ing across the room. It was a sound that sent shivers

t an invitation-t

he council and high lords following her every step. Her nerves threatened to overw

simply stared at her, a slight smirk on his lips as

of her back, guiding her to the chair beside his. The touch was l

run through her body. He's nothing but

f bees buzzing in her ears. She could feel their judgment, their curiosity. But most of all,

ocus on anything except the proximity of the Dragon Lord beside her. Every time his leg brushed against he

d she was caught in the web of his power. The world outside seemed so far away, and she was

e knew how much she wanted to pull away from him, but how impossible it was. And somethi

of her heart. Don't show weakness. She reminded herself again, trying to push d

the only one

She quickly averted her gaze, but the feeling lingered. The thought of Darius's hand on her wrist earlier

errupted he

an elder lord announced, lifting his goblet. "A future boun

But Evelynn barely heard any of it. Her mind was drowning in the storm of h

only she could hear. "You are mine now, Ev

t terror through her, but instead, they sent

re if she cou

contin