Karadur Atani, the Dragon of Chingura, has survived his father's madness and his brother's treachery. Firmly ensconced in the castle at Dragon Keep, he has won the loyalty of his people and the respect of the other lords. Yet legends never die. He is of dragon blood. And when stoked, his fury burns without mercy. No wars threaten Karadur's domain, though the politics of the kingdom and the daily intrigues of neighboring fiefdoms threaten the peace he has found within himself. Still, his fierceness has been tempered by love, for the men who serve him and for one human woman. Maia Unamira is a poor herbalist from a family of outlaws. Her heart fears neither the golden dragon Karadur becomes, nor the nearly human man who sets her blood on fire. Her love will make Karadur a man of compassion as well as strength —- and transform the future of both humans and dragons...