Who Said Villains Can’t Fall in Love?

Feared across the continent as the Bloody Duke of the South, Lucien Valecrest brought the empire to its knees in a decade-long war of rebellion. Cold, cunning, and charming in the most terrifying way, he carved a path through nobles and kings alike—until the arrow struck his heart in the emperor’s throne room.



He died laughing… and then woke up ten years earlier.



Now armed with a mind sharpened by war, secrets of traitors yet to act, and a forbidden blood magic only he can wield, Lucien sets his gaze on a single goal: do it all again, but better. Smarter. Faster. Bloodier.



But there's a problem.



Love.



Specifically, them—the future enemies, allies, and pawns he once manipulated or murdered... who now keep catching his interest in all the wrong ways. A sharp-tongued baroness immune to his fear tactics. A priestess hiding a darker side. A loyal knight far too noble for her own good. And the one woman he swore he'd never fall for again.



He may be a villain, but this time?



He’s falling.



And it’s ruining everything.