Keeper Series by M.L. Burns

Time has never been on Azahara’s side. Exhausted from her relentless pursuit to break from the clutches of an obsessive god's curse, she has all but given up hope of freedom. Until Kaed, a half-blood Elf, saves her from certain death. They find themselves bound together by a force they could never have anticipated. As their journey unfolds, the upcoming conflict will test this newfound connection to prove it be her salvation or her downfall... moreTime has never been on Azahara’s side. Exhausted from her relentless pursuit to break from the clutches of an obsessive god's curse, she has all but given up hope of freedom. Until Kaed, a half-blood Elf, saves her from certain death. They find themselves bound together by a force they could never have anticipated. As their journey unfolds, the upcoming conflict will test this newfound connection to prove it be her salvation or her downfall. Amidst their growing bond, the realm teeters on the edge of destruction due to the volatile shift of Magic. While Kaed is bound by duty to the King and his Kingdom, Azahara struggles to maintain a delicate balance with the sands of time. Can she safeguard the lives she holds dear, or will the relentless tilting of the hourglass force her back to the beginning, resetting the cycle she has endured for the past five centuries? less

Book 2 in The Keeper Series. Azahara was no stranger to pain. In the aftermath of the cataclysmic Battle of Sunfall, Azahara's world crumbles, leaving her with nothing but time on her side. She sets forth on a journey to the Isle of Ilkiz. Once home to the mighty Ilkiz herself and the Power of Dragons, the Isle becomes her sought after refuge and the crucible for her fate, where every step forward teeters on the precipice of triumph or irreparable loss... moreBook 2 in The Keeper Series. Azahara was no stranger to pain. In the aftermath of the cataclysmic Battle of Sunfall, Azahara's world crumbles, leaving her with nothing but time on her side. She sets forth on a journey to the Isle of Ilkiz. Once home to the mighty Ilkiz herself and the Power of Dragons, the Isle becomes her sought after refuge and the crucible for her fate, where every step forward teeters on the precipice of triumph or irreparable loss. With the mortal King, the Fae, and the Gods on her back, she struggles to see the light beyond the twilight. All she has ever yearned for is to be safe and happy. Yet, in the vast expanse of the sea she traverses, that dream seems an unattainable illusion. As Azahara confronts the encroaching darkness within, the pressing questions loom—can she unravel the elusive answers she seeks? Will she find the strength not only to save herself but also those who lend their aid to her arduous journey? Or will she confront the disheartening reality that her endeavors may be in vain, with a relentless being threatening to shatter the fragments of her life? "Hello, little mouse. ". [PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS]. less

I know the words within may be difficult to read at times, but they all led me to you. I hope they convey just how much you are worth fighting for—then, now, and for all our tomorrows. Remember that it's okay to be scared, but never to give up. May our story reveal that even in the darkest moments, a guiding star can always be found. You, Sunshine, are the light that holds my night sky together. I love you, for our forever. ----... moreI know the words within may be difficult to read at times, but they all led me to you. I hope they convey just how much you are worth fighting for—then, now, and for all our tomorrows. Remember that it's okay to be scared, but never to give up. May our story reveal that even in the darkest moments, a guiding star can always be found. You, Sunshine, are the light that holds my night sky together. I love you, for our forever. ----. I've been imprisoned for what seems like an eternity, but when Karver is able to set me free, freedom doesn't seem like what I yearn for. But she is. Azahara Starfall. The woman my soul searches for, yet can't seem to keep. I'll protect you, Sunshine, even if that means allowing your heart to be with someone else. less

“You are a monster, Azahara. ”. Happiness feels like a distant memory for Azahara. Back in the Kingdom's shadows and seeking refuge in Ilkiz, she is once again consumed by loss. Her soul may be intact, but it’s the only part of her that is. Surrounded by allies, including the man who would move mountains for her, she should feel invincible. Yet, being called a monster by the embodiment of hope makes her feel like the little mouse Goddrick has tried to make her over the past five centuries... more“You are a monster, Azahara. ”. Happiness feels like a distant memory for Azahara. Back in the Kingdom's shadows and seeking refuge in Ilkiz, she is once again consumed by loss. Her soul may be intact, but it’s the only part of her that is. Surrounded by allies, including the man who would move mountains for her, she should feel invincible. Yet, being called a monster by the embodiment of hope makes her feel like the little mouse Goddrick has tried to make her over the past five centuries. But there’s no time to dwell on her own trauma. Jaakobai is plotting something dark, and only Azahara can stop him. To succeed, she must forge alliances with those who once tortured and imprisoned her, discover a way to kill a god, save someone she loves, and somehow find a path to healing. Healing… if that’s even possible. less

“You are a monster, Azahara. ”. Happiness feels like a distant memory for Azahara. Back in the Kingdom's shadows and seeking refuge in Ilkiz, she is once again consumed by loss. Her soul may be intact, but it’s the only part of her that is. Surrounded by allies, including the man who would move mountains for her, she should feel invincible. Yet, being called a monster by the embodiment of hope makes her feel like the little mouse Goddrick has tried to make her over the past five centuries... more“You are a monster, Azahara. ”. Happiness feels like a distant memory for Azahara. Back in the Kingdom's shadows and seeking refuge in Ilkiz, she is once again consumed by loss. Her soul may be intact, but it’s the only part of her that is. Surrounded by allies, including the man who would move mountains for her, she should feel invincible. Yet, being called a monster by the embodiment of hope makes her feel like the little mouse Goddrick has tried to make her over the past five centuries. But there’s no time to dwell on her own trauma. Jaakobai is plotting something dark, and only Azahara can stop him. To succeed, she must forge alliances with those who once tortured and imprisoned her, discover a way to kill a god, save someone she loves, and somehow find a path to healing. Healing… if that’s even possible. less

“You are a monster, Azahara. ”. Happiness feels like a distant memory for Azahara. Back in the Kingdom's shadows and seeking refuge in Ilkiz, she is once again consumed by loss. Her soul may be intact, but it’s the only part of her that is. Surrounded by allies, including the man who would move mountains for her, she should feel invincible. Yet, being called a monster by the embodiment of hope makes her feel like the little mouse Goddrick has tried to make her over the past five centuries... more“You are a monster, Azahara. ”. Happiness feels like a distant memory for Azahara. Back in the Kingdom's shadows and seeking refuge in Ilkiz, she is once again consumed by loss. Her soul may be intact, but it’s the only part of her that is. Surrounded by allies, including the man who would move mountains for her, she should feel invincible. Yet, being called a monster by the embodiment of hope makes her feel like the little mouse Goddrick has tried to make her over the past five centuries. But there’s no time to dwell on her own trauma. Jaakobai is plotting something dark, and only Azahara can stop him. To succeed, she must forge alliances with those who once tortured and imprisoned her, discover a way to kill a god, save someone she loves, and somehow find a path to healing. Healing… if that’s even possible. less