To save her dying world, a light mage must bargain with the beast who broke it?and he's decided she's the only treasure he won't give back.

The Gloom is consuming everything.Vera March's rare Mirth-Magic?powered by joy itself?is the last defense against a creeping blight of despair. With the winter solstice approaching and her village's protective beacon failing, she has one desperate option: steal the Heart of Solstice from the dragon who destroyed it three centuries ago.

He's a monster with nothing left to lose.Orion Thorn, the infamous Ash-Bringer, has lived in exile since his rampage nearly destroyed the world. The largest shard of the artifact he shattered is the crown jewel of his hoard?until a brilliant, impossibly brave mage breaks into his fortress and steals more than treasure.

She's his fated mate. And he's never letting her go.

Bound by magical contract, hunted by an ancient evil, racing against a Christmas deadline...Their forced proximity ignites a passion that burns hotter than dragonfire. He's the villain of every bedtime story. She's the light he thought he'd never deserve. To save the world, he must choose between his greatest treasure and his only chance at redemption.

A standalone romantasy featuring a reformed villain dragon shifter, fated mates magic, forced proximity, a protective alpha hero, and a Christmas countdown. Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and spicy paranormal romance. High heat with a guaranteed HEA.