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.