The Bonded

Beyond the glowing forests of Sanctuary, the world has been ravaged by a corruption known as the Darkness, leaving none alive but those blessed by the goddess Riel. Among those survivors, only the Bonded have the fortitude to push back against the corruption and reclaim the world for their kind.In the last bastion left to humanity, Kirheen is put through a ritual to help strengthen her power, one that all Bonded share - a mental magic allowing them to shape and control the world around them. Matched with a young man named Garild, both are sworn to dedicate their lives and minds to each other, to bolster their powers so they can join the fight against the Darkness.That dedication comes with a cost, however, and as Kirheen begins to learn her role in Sanctuary, she yearns for the freedom to make her own choices, to experience a life that is more than fighting for a cause she doesn't believe in. As she struggles to come to terms with the invasive nature of their power, she begins to wonder if life in Sanctuary is all she will ever know, or if there is more out in the world than the death and devastation left behind by the Darkness.But Sanctuary does not reward the curious, and to learn the truth, Kirheen will have to pay the ultimate price. Kaitlyn Rouhier is a fantasy author currently living in the scorched lands of Southern Oregon. She writes character-driven fantasy with a focus on complex characters, witty banter, and lore that keeps you wanting to know more. When not writing, she can be found battling her nemesis, a rambunctious Border Collie mix named Gizmo (AKA: Destroyer of Peace and Relaxation) and catching up on her ever expanding to-be-read pile.