My captor sees me as one of those destroying his sacred forest.

I see him as the most gorgeous male on earth.

So handsome. Those muscles. That athletic self-confidence.

He is an immortal elf more than a century older than I.

He calls me a lioness because I stand up to my wealthy uncaring parents - and him.

Ours is a forbidden attraction.

He is an elf of legend. I am a mortal duchess and a human he does not trust.

We cannot be together.

But I would sacrifice my happiness to save his sacred lands from my parents’ greed.

My brief time with him was a lifetime’s worth.

If I don’t do something, lives - and our budding love - may be lost.

Even the courage and prowess of a hundred real lionesses may not be enough.

But for a tiny chance at true love, I am willing to find out.