Matrony (Protectors of the Elemental Magic Book 5)

Where Magic First Chose Its Keepers

Before the rise of the Protectors, there was a moment of quiet defiance that changed everything. Matrony traces the origins of elemental magic to a time of divine fracture, when three goddesses—Danu of Light, Brighid of Balance, and Snowystra of Winter—stood at the center of a growing conflict. As betrayal threatens to extinguish Danu’s light, the elemental forces of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth turn to an unlikely source: four mortal girls in the unassuming town of Starten.

Gifted a mysterious book filled with hidden truths, the girls are drawn into a story far greater than themselves. What begins as a quiet awakening becomes a test of belief, courage, and sacrifice. As deception unravels and danger closes in, the boundary between divine power and human will begins to dissolve.

Framed as a sacred history, Matrony reveals how magic first entered the human world—not as a gift freely given, but as a desperate act of hope. It explores the origins of the Protectors, the strength found in belief, and the enduring legacy passed from one generation of women to the next.

Step into the beginning of the legend and discover where the power truly began.

Excerpt from the book

“Stay right here, Marina, and drink your tea. I will be right back,” the auburn-haired beauty said to the small girl.

“I will, Mommy.” The child smiled at her mother and returned to her dolls—toys that represented her real friends, the elementals. Mystical guests who would not appear when Mommy was there. They were her secret.

A rustling along the forest’s edge stole Marina’s attention from her dolls. Hopeful the elementals had come to play, her wide hazel eyes searched the perimeter. Her face lit up when she found the unexpected source of her disturbance—a fawn. The little girl jumped up. Instinctively, she adjusted the bright pink bow in her raven hair and straightened her tea dress. The deer watched with curiosity.

“Have you come for tea?” Marina asked and giggled at her question. Scooping up a handful of tea biscuits, she held them out. “No, I think you came for Gram’s delicious blackberry treats. Would you like one? I have extra. My friends won’t come today since it is a tea party with Mommy.”

Taking the fawn’s silence as an affirmative, Marina crept toward the creature. When she reached her new friend, she carefully held out her hand, offering the treat. After a few nibbles, the timid animal bounded away. Not having had the chance to pet her new friend, Marina chased after it.

“Please wait,” she called.

When the fawn obeyed, Marina laughed in delight. The enchanting game of ‘nibble and chase’ ensued. Too focused on her new friendship, she had forgotten the rules. Despite Gram’s constant reminders to ‘never leave the safety of the Veracor property,’ the girl continued without a second thought.

Soon, Marina was deep in a part of the woods she did not know. Instead of the emerald-green forest, she was surrounded by crimson trees with dark black trunks that were gnarled and twisted. Long black branches sprouted red leaves and black flower petals. Even the ground was covered in red as the shedding leaves of summer bled over it.

The child knew she had gone too far from home. Still, it was too late. Taking a deep breath and forcing courage, Marina made her way to the eastern part of the Starten Forest—the forbidden area. Her pulse raced with fear. “I shouldn’t be here,” Marina whispered to the fawn.

Crunch, crunch.

The sounds of dry leaves being walked upon filled Marina with dread, deflating her confidence. Her breathing increased as she whipped around to face the unexpected visitor. The girl gasped in surprise as a magnificent woman stepped into view.

As if she had been dusted with frost, the woman’s snow-white skin shimmered. She strode toward the girl, leaving a trail of white powder in her wake. The child shivered as she felt the power emanating from her, but it paled in comparison to the woman’s beauty.