The Dragon King's Slave Mate

Saria, an abused village girl, is seized by Dragon King Alarik, whose touch triggers an unprecedented Mark binding them as mates. Alarik hides their bond behind a slave collar. Amid Xander's suspicion and Celeste's schemes, Saria survives a slave hunt and discovers she can bend dragon fire. Alarik reveals his death curse: one month to live. Xander exposes the Mark and attacks; Saria channels blue fire to destroy him. Their first kiss seals the bond, but Celeste offers silence at an unnamed cost.