The Crystal Island Series by Lilian T. James

There were several things Vera was quite skilled at. Wielding a blade and pretending to be human were two of them. Following the rules and controlling her anger, were not. Raised in the heart of the Matherin Empire, Vera spent most of her life forced to hide what she was and what she could do. Until one day, she foolishly confronts a strange male she spies tailing the Crown Prince. Not only does the altercation not go as planned, but the male claims she possesses a power his people vitally need... moreThere were several things Vera was quite skilled at. Wielding a blade and pretending to be human were two of them. Following the rules and controlling her anger, were not. Raised in the heart of the Matherin Empire, Vera spent most of her life forced to hide what she was and what she could do. Until one day, she foolishly confronts a strange male she spies tailing the Crown Prince. Not only does the altercation not go as planned, but the male claims she possesses a power his people vitally need. He's desperate to return home and refuses to leave without her. Staying would give her a life she never thought she'd have but leaving could provide her with the only chance to learn more about her past. The more answers she uncovers about herself, the more questions arise, and nothing is adding up. Vera must decide what to do, not only with her life, but with the ancient power inside her. less

Vera had always hoped to one day leave Matherin. To travel the world and escape a life that was never meant for her.Bhasura would have everything she could ever want. Freedom, respect, family, and her mate. Her aitanta.But behind the island’s beautiful cities and smiling citizens, she can hear the lies poisoning their stories.She wants to believe it's all in her head, but a dark anger starts to grow inside her, and she can't ignore the feeling that something is wrong... moreVera had always hoped to one day leave Matherin. To travel the world and escape a life that was never meant for her.Bhasura would have everything she could ever want. Freedom, respect, family, and her mate. Her aitanta.But behind the island’s beautiful cities and smiling citizens, she can hear the lies poisoning their stories.She wants to believe it's all in her head, but a dark anger starts to grow inside her, and she can't ignore the feeling that something is wrong.Something besides the vivid dreams that plague her sleep the moment she sets foot on the island.​**Content includes descriptions of torture, detailed intimacy, and dubious consent less