Firebird

Dacian dancer Malina is captured and abducted by the Roman general Julian Dakkia, also known as the Coldhearted Conqueror, whom she remembered as a kind centurion years ago (an image that his current reputation belies). Upon seeing Malina again, Julian, nephew to the depraved emperor of Rome, transformed into his dragon form, killing one of his own men to steal her away to his home. Once there, Malina and Julian both wonder how much they can trust each other with their secrets as Julian and his dragon are drawn ever closer to Malina. In keeping with the novel’s setting in ancient Rome, Julian enslaves Malina and others. The novel makes something of a misstep in depicting the enslavement as Julian’s way of protecting his chosen family that causes Malina to question whether he really is as ruthless or brutal as his reputation. She sees he is more than a warrior alone and may be deserving of her trust and magical assistance to achieve a mutual goal.