She survived space pirates. She wasn’t ready for a fated mate. Victoria never should have followed the anti-Zmaj into the desert—but exile was nothing compared to being captured by alien space pirates and dragged off-planet as a slave. When they return to Tajss, she finally sees a chance to escape… right before she’s kidnapped again. This time, by a massive, scarred Zmaj warrior. Lothor is silent, terrifying—and shockingly gentle. He rescues her, shields her, and looks at her like she’s the only treasure left in the universe. Alone together in the deadly desert, fear slowly turns to trust… and something far more dangerous. He believes she’s his fated mate. She’s afraid he might be right. A steamy, heart-pounding sci-fi romance perfect for fans of fated mates, protective alien heroes, and survival love on a dangerous desert world.