Strong adult FMC loses everything and finds hope

That cliffhanger sucked. Lol

Book starts with Ani and her two anchors/lovers being pulled into a battle with an beast who should not be on this side of the barrier. Unfortunately this battle claims the lives of both of her anchors (these people allow a conduit mage to control their limitless power) and so she does something reckless in hopes of ending the beast and her rejoining her men in death. However, her magic attracted the attention of a dragon and a type of bond was created.

Many years later she happens upon the dragon who saved her so long ago. Ani finds herself in the company of Vahin (the Dragon) and the commander Orm when they are attacked by a swarm of monsters. She is without anchors and out of options so she must bond to Vahin in hopes of saving everyone in their party. This is really the start of the story with everything else being background.

I will admit the beginning of this story is slow but I do understand that happens a lot in fantasy books since the world and magic need to be built. I absolutely love Vahin and his quirky disposition. He is also very loyal and only wants to enjoy the gifts Ani has given him.

"I will give you my all - my fire, my magic, and my life. I just don't want to dwell in the dark again."

The two male characters are as close as brothers and there are random hints that they could become more later.

Orm is the leader and his brother works for the crown. He is doing his best to keep his people safe from the Litch King and his undead creations. He is Vahin's bonded rider. There is a wild magic within him that he fights against so he doesn't go berserk but Ani has a calming presence.

Ari is a dark fae mage who specializes in necromancy which makes people see him as less than. He was run from his home and cursed by his mother and he must get to the Litch king to have any hope of removing it and the pain it always causes him. Ani is a balm to his curse and he feels so much better with her around. Thus fact is one of many that peaks his interest.

"'If it wasn't already clear enough, anyone who touches my lady with malicious intent will lose their hands, eyes, and tongue before I grant them the mercy of death.' Orm's words were iced fury, his tone quiet and controlled, but what truly chilled my blood was Alaric is follow-up, his gentle voice filled with Deadly intent. 'And when Lord Ormond has finished with them, I will revive their corpses for the sheer pleasure of watching him do it again. He may damage their bodies, but I will take my revenge on their very soul.'"

These guys take touch her a die to a whole new level with die again and again. They are super over protective and they sometimes forget just how powerful she is.

I can't wait to see what happens next because everything is going to be very bad when its notice what happened at the end.