Ash Kingdom Series by M.R. Polish

She was supposed to stay hidden. He was supposed to die.The Trials were created to dispose of the weak.There are no allies. Only enemies competing for the same reward—receive the king's protection from the bloodthirsty Alorians and a bag filled with coins.After twenty-two years, Caitriona Delahorian thought she was skilled at the art of hiding when it came to the draft. If the king knew she had magic in her blood, she'd be forced to enter the Trials... moreShe was supposed to stay hidden. He was supposed to die.The Trials were created to dispose of the weak.There are no allies. Only enemies competing for the same reward—receive the king's protection from the bloodthirsty Alorians and a bag filled with coins.After twenty-two years, Caitriona Delahorian thought she was skilled at the art of hiding when it came to the draft. If the king knew she had magic in her blood, she'd be forced to enter the Trials. No purse filled with payment for her servitude. No alluring invitation blessed with security for her family. No. She'd be nothing more than a prisoner.If she lived.With the rebellion marching to her door, she realizes hiding is no longer an option. Stepping out of the shadows to join the fight and embrace the magic that got her parents killed, Caitriona makes a choice to risk everything for other magic wielders, herself, and to avenge her parents.On the eve of the next draft, she is discovered by guards and shackled, tossed into the dungeon with the willing participants to await her turn in the Trials. If she passes her first test, she can move on and maybe escape. But an arrogant, stubborn, roguish, albeit extremely handsome, self-centered captain won't leave her side.Captain Hawthorne's blade was rumored to slice through the strongest armor. Yet, it was his eyes that cut through her. There was more hiding behind his façade. But she was the queen at hiding things.If she stays in the Trials, she is in danger of losing more than her freedom, and the king will acquire a dangerous new weapon. less

“Caitin, I knew from that night on the ferry that you are my mate.”Caitin never imagined she would survive the Trials, let alone discover she was the prince’s mate. Her time alone with Layke made her realize her feelings were more than just having her soul bound to his. His touch sent her magic into a frenzy until it was all she craved.Layke hungered for more than her blood and there was nothing in any kingdom or demand from the gods that could tear him away from his mate... more“Caitin, I knew from that night on the ferry that you are my mate.”Caitin never imagined she would survive the Trials, let alone discover she was the prince’s mate. Her time alone with Layke made her realize her feelings were more than just having her soul bound to his. His touch sent her magic into a frenzy until it was all she craved.Layke hungered for more than her blood and there was nothing in any kingdom or demand from the gods that could tear him away from his mate. The instinct to rip anyone’s heart out if they touched her raged just under the surface.But he couldn’t protect her from the one thing that could kill them both… her magic.***Ash Kingdom Series (3 Books)Crown of Blood and WingsThe Fallen Ash Queen (2022)Throne of Broken Wings (2022) less

"The stars will fade before my love."Caitin's powers have awakened, and it is only her mate's blood she craves. When she is told of his disappearance, she goes after him. There was no soul she wouldn't kill, no kingdom she wouldn't burn, no future she wouldn't sacrifice to save him. The Darkness had taken enough. It could not have him too.Layke would gladly endure everything if it meant his mate was safe. They could drain him of all blood, use him as a puppet, play with his mind.. more"The stars will fade before my love."Caitin's powers have awakened, and it is only her mate's blood she craves. When she is told of his disappearance, she goes after him. There was no soul she wouldn't kill, no kingdom she wouldn't burn, no future she wouldn't sacrifice to save him. The Darkness had taken enough. It could not have him too.Layke would gladly endure everything if it meant his mate was safe. They could drain him of all blood, use him as a puppet, play with his mind... as long as it wasn't Caitin. Then she was there, with red wings and fire. She was glorious and fierce, fighting to free him.But his freedom wasn't the end. They would have to unveil the secrets of the past and ask the gods for help. With their friends, they find life and death. But neither of them were prepared for the sacrifices that would be made. After all, only one summoner could reign. less