Before hearing it written in blood, I didn't think my name would sound so heavy.
Hi, Evelyn. His voice was cold and careful, as if he was afraid the name would make something start up. "Do you understand what you're in for?"
Even though my heart was beating so fast that it was hard to think straight, I nodded. "I get it."
He looked at me again, studying my face as if he thought I would be scared. I didn't give him any. He held a pen that was stained red. Not ink, but blood. My blood.
I swallowed hard. "Will it hurt?"
The emissary's lips curved slightly. "Only if you hesitate."
My hand shook, just slightly, but I forced myself to hold the quill steady. For my village. For the hungry children whose ribs showed through their skin. For the moms who could no longer feed their kids.
He leaned forward, his eyes dark as seawater. "You are offering yourself as the bride of Lord Kael of Valenmoor. The contract binds in life, in death, and beyond either."
"Until death," I whispered.
He shook his head. "No. After death, too."
His words sent a chill through me, but I kept my back straight. My father's journal flashed in my mind his warning written in shaky ink: The dragon's bride does not return.
Still, I signed.
The moment the quill hit the paper, a hiss filled the air. My blood spread like fire across the page, twisting into strange runes.
The emissary's tone eased, almost pitying. "You should pray he finds you worthy."
I frowned. "And if he doesn't?"
"Then he'll burn you faster."
I tried not to flinch as he rolled the paper, sealing it with a dragon symbol. His covered hands didn't shake. Mine did.
I wanted to speak, but what was left to say? I'd sold my freedom for the lives of a hundred others. There was honor in that or at least I told myself there was.
"His messengers will come at dawn," the emissary said. "You will go willingly."
I forced my lips into a bitter smile. "Would I have a choice if I didn't?"
"No," he said simply.
My heart thudded hard, but I refused to let him see the fear crawling under my skin.
"Does he?" I paused, looking for the right words. "Does the Dragon Lord ever… love?"
The emissary stopped. For a long moment, he said nothing. Then quietly, he answered, "He used to. Once. But love burned him, and now he burns everything it touches."
My throat tightened. "Then what am I walking into?"
"A curse," he said. "One he cannot escape… and one you cannot survive."
I didn't sleep that night. The contract sat on the table, signed and quiet. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw my father's handwriting.
Do not go near Valenmoor. The Dragon Lord gathers his wives like relics. None ever return.
But drought had already eaten through our farms, our faith, our hope. The people needed grain, water, and kindness. And Kael the cursed Dragon Lord had offered all three. For a price.
Me.
By dawn, I stood by the old shrine where the messengers waited.
"You have courage," one of them whispered as I neared. "That will please him."
Courage. The word felt fragile in my mouth. I wanted to ask what pleased him beauty? obedience? blood? But I bit my tongue.
"Why does he need a bride?" I asked instead. "He could take anything he wants."
The emissary shared a glance with the other, uncertain. "He doesn't need to. He's bound. A vision demands it."
I frowned. "What prophecy?"
"The Heart of Flame," he said. "The one who will destroy or redeem him. Perhaps that's you. Perhaps you'll be his end."
A shiver ran down my spine. "Then why risk it?"
"Because," he said quietly, "even monsters want to be loved."
The journey to Valenmoor started in silence. The sky was pale and scarred, and every mile took me farther from the world I knew.
I sat inside the carriage, holding the edge of my coat. The envoy sat across from me, watching.
"You're calm," he said finally. "Most brides weep."
I looked up at him sharply. "There were others?"
He paused. "Many."
"What happened to them?"
His silence was answer enough.
I leaned back, trying to calm my breath. "You said my blood would bind me. What does that mean?"
He looked at my wrist. "When you signed, your essence tied to his. You are part of him now. When he calls, you will come. When he orders, you will obey."
Anger flared. "And if I refuse?"
He met my eyes, cold and unblinking. "You'll burn."
My thoughts spiralled. What kind of man was this Kael? What kind of creature demanded obedience through blood?
"You seem afraid," the emissary said, as though reading my mind.
"I'm not afraid," I lied.
"Then you're a fool."
My hands clenched in my lap. "I'm a scholar's daughter. I don't believe in spells or beasts. Only guys with too much power."
He smiled weakly. "Then you'll believe it soon enough."
The train stopped without warning. I looked out the window. A shadow loomed tall, sharp, human only in shape.
The emissary's expression changed instantly. Fear.
He whispered, "He's here."
Before I could speak, the carriage door opened.
And I saw him.
Kael.
He was not what I expected. No wings. No scales. But power radiated from him like heat. His eyes molten gold. His hair black at night. His face was cut from rebellion and ruin.
"Leave us," he said to the messenger, his voice deep and low.
The messenger bowed and disappeared into the mist.
Kael looked at me. "You signed it."
I forced my chin up. "I did."
"Do you know what that means?"
"Yes," I said, though my voice shook. "I belong to you."
He stepped closer. "No. It means you've given me your soul."
I froze. "You can't own a soul."
He smiled slowly and dangerously. "You'd be surprised what I can own."
For a moment, quiet stretched between us. Then he said, almost softly, "Why did you do it?"
"For my people," I said. "They're dying."
"And so you die for them," he mumbled. "Noble. Foolish."
He turned his head slightly, the light glinting off his chin. "Do you think I'm a monster, Evelyn?"
My breath caught at the sound of my name on his lips. "Yes," I whispered. "But I think monsters can still bleed."
His gaze darkened. "You shouldn't say that."
"Why not?"
"Because it makes me want to prove you right."
Something flickered in his eyes, maybe, or memory.
"Your father warned you, didn't he?" Kael asked quietly. "About me."
"How do you know that?"
He smiled weakly. "I know everything your father knew. He came to Valenmoor once."
My pulse quickened. "He what?"
Kael's look burned through me. "He made a bargain. Like you. But his cost was not his life. It was yours."
The words hit like a blow. "You're lying."
"Am I?"
I shook my head, but doubt cracked through me like lightning. My father's notes. His silence. His quick death.
"What did he give you?" I whispered.
Kael's face relaxed, almost sad. "A promise. That his daughter would one day free me."
"Free you?"
"From the curse," he said. "From myself."
I wanted to deny it. To tell him he was wrong. But deep inside, something stirred recognition.
"What if I fail?" I asked.
His eyes flared gold. "Then you'll burn with me."
My breath caught. "And if I succeed?"
"Then you'll still burn," he said. "Just slower."