_____ Isabella Lancaster In the quiet town of Bleakstone, she lives a life that appears perfect from the outside. Born into wealth and luxury, she is nothing more than a pawn in her father's hands, trapped within the walls of a grand mansion and denied the freedom she desperately craves. Dreaming of a love she has only ever read about in novels, Isabella longs for someone who will see her as more than a possession; someone who will choose her above everything else. _____ Christian Blackford Far away, hidden from the world's eyes, he rules an empire built on power, fear, and secrets. Known publicly as a successful businessman, he is secretly one of the most ruthless Mafia leaders in the country. Cold-hearted and driven, he has no place in his life for love, believing it to be nothing more than a distraction. _____ When fate unexpectedly intertwines their worlds, Isabella and Christian are pulled into a dangerous journey filled with secrets, obsession, betrayal, and forbidden love. Will their love become their salvation, or will the darkness surrounding them destroy everything they hold dear? __________ • First Story. [Words count : 30,202] __________

When Princess Taliyah is sacrificed to a fearsome dragon lord she's been raised to hate, she doesn't expect the frustratingly handsome man he transforms into to ignite her deepest desires. Season 1 of Treasured by the Dragon *** When Princess Taliyah's parents sacrifice her to a powerful dragon lord to pay off their annual tribute, she prepares herself to be burned to ashes on her captor's altar. But instead, the fearsome beast whisks her away to his mountain castle before transforming into a handsome lord. As the leader of his dragon clan, Cephias is furious Taliyah's kingdom didn't provide the promised gold treasure. He has no use for a pampered princess. At first, the two clash, but as Taliyah picks through the dragon lord's secrets, she realizes they share a common enemy. As she finds herself drawn in by the passionate man, her plans shift from escaping to securing an alliance through a marriage of convenience to save her people. Given the way his lips burn her skin with desire, marriage would be a sacrifice she's more than willing to make.