Echoes in Flame by Aria Lockley

If a flower can bloom amidst death, was our parting goodbye, or a brand new beginning?

The unexpected death of Saintess Nairu’s Keeper forces her to overcome the life of codependency she’d grown used to, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. And what better way to begin than aboard the ship of the Captain who saved her?
Her newfound freedom is short lived when the crew is attacked by a strange, otherworldly creature, and Nairu unleashes a dark, powerful magic in a desperate attempt to defend them. Upon her failure, Nairu, her Captain, and crew, are captured and delivered into the hands of the Grand Arch Magus of the Mages Consortium.

The Elven Mage’s motivations are suspicious, but Nairu can’t help but feel drawn to him, even as she curses his name in the same breath. He claims to want to help with fostering her unruly magic, but such help is in no way optional, and he has no intention of letting her leave.
Though she is endlessly ensured she is safest at the Consortium, Nairu has plots of her own. She will do whatever it takes to uncover the Mage’s secrets and pry herself from his grasp.

Echoes in Flame is the second book in the Hallowed Hearts series, a romantic tale with a deliciously dark atmosphere and the excitement of a high fantasy adventure. The story follows our heroine Nairu on her journey to overcome her magic, and escape those seeking to use it for themselves. This series is written in single, 1st person POV, perfect for readers who’ve enjoyed books like Daughter of No Worlds, One Dark Window, To Bleed a Crystal Bloom, and Godkiller.