The Dark Court Series by Ruby Duvall

Shumei’s small village shuns her for the magic that runs in her family. She and her family scrape by providing herbal cures, but when an epidemic depletes her stores, she is forced to leave the protection of town. Demons roam the woods at night, and Shumei falls into the hands of a handsome man…who isn’t really human. Little does she know that the deal she makes with him to escape his clutches will unlock her potential, her destiny…and her heart.

Mai has found purpose serving as a house elder in the newly reformed imperial court, and she's determined to help the empress fulfill her destiny to lead an army into the plane of Oblivion and kill the Damned One. But an old trauma prevents Mai from realizing her full potential, and she's not sure she can open up her heart to the man who's eager to help her see that she's already a true leader—one far more passionate than she believes... moreMai has found purpose serving as a house elder in the newly reformed imperial court, and she's determined to help the empress fulfill her destiny to lead an army into the plane of Oblivion and kill the Damned One. But an old trauma prevents Mai from realizing her full potential, and she's not sure she can open up her heart to the man who's eager to help her see that she's already a true leader—one far more passionate than she believes. Rosuke, newly freed from a centuries-long curse, wants nothing more than to seize the kind of honorable life he'd previously discarded—one defined by sacrifice and love—even though he may not deserve it. And he's more than willing to do everything he can to earn a place in Mai's heart. However, their difficult pasts aren't the only obstacles to a future together—not when they're committed to fighting alongside the empress, even if it means their lives. This book was previously published as "Oblivion." less

A nightmare he cannot escape…Commander Jun has been a soldier most of his life, on the run from a past he can't bear to face. But when rumors of missing women and lust-eating demons emerge from the land of his youth, he embarks on a mission for redemption, only to find himself face to face with a woman he thought long dead—a woman who hasn't aged in twenty years.A curse she can't undo…Magic has only ever betrayed Mikari, turning her own heart against her... moreA nightmare he cannot escape…Commander Jun has been a soldier most of his life, on the run from a past he can't bear to face. But when rumors of missing women and lust-eating demons emerge from the land of his youth, he embarks on a mission for redemption, only to find himself face to face with a woman he thought long dead—a woman who hasn't aged in twenty years.A curse she can't undo…Magic has only ever betrayed Mikari, turning her own heart against her. Unable to trust herself or the motivations of the only man she's ever loved, Mikari knows the best way to protect them both is to push him away.An evil only they can face…But when Mikari and Jun are attacked and forced to spend the winter in the highlands of Gozu, they discover something far more sinister than demons may be behind the evil that surrounds them. And Mikari's curse could be the key to vanquishing it…At the Maze's Center is book three of an epic fantasy romance series about the extraordinary sorcerers of the Dark Court in their fight against evil, with love guiding them to triumph. The series features magic, monsters, and steamy sex scenes, set in an imaginary empire that evokes late medieval Japanese life. Perfect for fans of Bec McMaster and Grace Draven!Each book can be read standalone, but consuming the series in order offers the best reading experience.Content Warning: this book is for adult readers looking for a steamy romance with dark themes. The story contains violence, body horror, death, and numerous consensual sex scenes. HEA guaranteed! less