Querteshan guardsman Jamal Fayed is on a routine patrol through the desert area known as the Burning when they discover an injured and unconscious man who looks to be from a nearby country, Perathea. Their two countries have a long history of animosity.<br><br>When Nev ran from his master, he was fleeing for his life and any outcome seemed better than the death he was promised. But Nev has secrets, complicated secrets that involve both magic and his physical form. Can he build a relationship with Jamal amidst politics and military dealings?

Born Magic

Jamal nodded and climbed the stairs. He hesitated in front of the door at the top. If this turned out to be a bad idea, he’d go try and catch up to Tarik. He knocked on the door.


A few moments passed before it opened. Jamal was slightly startled. Nev’s hair was long enough to brush his shoulders, and it seemed like the planes of his face had softened. In the light from the oil lamps on the table in the main room, Jamal thought Nev’s body looked more solid and muscular.


If Jamal felt startled, Nev looked wide-eyed shocked. He flung his arms around Jamal and hugged him tightly. “Oh, Gods, I’ve missed you so much.”


Jamal hugged him back and then cradled Nev’s face in his hands. He kissed him. “I missed you, too.”


They stood in the open doorway, holding each other and kissing for a number of minutes. Nev eventually said, “Come in. Can you stay more than a few minutes? Are you here on garrison business?”


Chapter 23