Dawn Tyrant

A former child soldier gets a chance at a new life as a bonded dragon rider, but first she must earn her place among the Guardians of Azure Keep. Once a civilian in a dragon aerie, Kali is kidnapped at a young age and forced to fight for Gold Keep. A fortunate turn of events gives her back her freedom along with a chance to fulfill her greatest dream - to bond an Ariadeske dragon. To achieve her goal she must join the senior cadet class at Azure Keep and graduate into the Sky Guardians, a force of dragon riders that protect Azure Keep and the Azure territory at large. However, nothing is ever easy. Kali must prove herself with her abilities and somehow manage to fit in among her new team while haunted by memories of her old squadron. But if it means regaining her wings she'll do just about anything to pass. What's in store -  *Updates M/W/F*Dragon riders and bonded creatures*The dragons don't instantly grow up*Slow burn story*Secretly OP MC*Found family*High fantasy with worldbuilding side chapters*Did we mention it's illustrated?