I Refuse the Dragon’s Belated Surrender

For five years, Aveline waited for the arrogant Dragonblood Marquess, Lucian, to bind the oath that would save her from a lethal curse. Instead, he chose power, leaving her with mockery and a broken heart. She walked away that night, preparing to face death alone. Three years later, Lucian finds her not only alive but thriving—and wearing a silver band that isn't his. Now, the once-untouchable lord is willing to burn his empire to the ground and beg on his knees to win her back. But Aveline has already forged her own salvation. Can a dragon's desperate obsession buy back the past, or is his fiery regret five years too late?