He was a Dragon Lord sworn to protect his city. She was the thief who stole its heart. Now, a forbidden bond could be their salvation... or their doom. To save her own life, Elara, a cunning human thief, commits one last audacious heist: stealing the fabled Heart of the Dragon from the hidden shifter city of Aethelgard. But the moment her hands close around the gem, she triggers a catastrophic breach, unleashing an ancient evil that threatens both the magical realm and her own. Kaelen, the fierce and formidable Dragon Lord, is duty-bound to execute the human who endangered everything he protects. But when he captures the infuriatingly brave thief, a single touch ignites an impossible, primal recognition. Mate. Trapped in a gilded cage, Elara discovers her "null" ability-the very trait that made her an outcast-is the only weapon that can cleanse the corruption seeping into the world. Kaelen offers her a dangerous bargain: stand as his shield, and he will offer more than freedom. He will offer a place at his side. As they forge a bond of fire and necessity, a traitor lurks in their midst, poised to shatter their fragile alliance. Elara must choose: return to the lonely life she knows, or embrace her destiny as the Dragon's stolen bride and face a darkness that would consume both their worlds. Fans of fated mates, possessive alpha heroes, and strong heroines who defy expectations will love this steamy, action-packed fantasy romance. Dive into a world of dangerous magic, forbidden desire, and a love that could save a kingdom.