For years now the harvest has been less than it should be. Last year the people of Oisin's village sacrificed a goat, but their god did not come. Now, in desperation, a human sacrifice has been suggested, and Oisin, recently orphaned and feeling life is not worth living, volunteers. But the god Belinos is not quite what he seems, and Oisin's sacrifice will not be what he expects, for Belinos first came out of the darkness to drink the sacrificial blood not because he was a god, but because he was a vampire. This is just the beginning of the changes to Oisin's life, as he is drawn further and further into a world of gods and magic, where the most unexpected thing is not even his own blossoming talent, but the blossoming feelings he has for Belinos. Love between mortal and immortal is not without its difficulties, though. As outright war among the gods threatens, Oisin will end up making a far greater difference in the conflict than he could ever have dreamed possible.

The Sacrifice

Bel tipped his head back and let out a long sigh. “That is so much better.” Then he rose, no longer moving slowly and painfully, but as easily and gracefully as ever. “You have cared well for me. Now I shall care well for you.” Next thing Oisin knew Bel had picked him up and was cradling him like a child, as he had on that very first night. Oisin sighed, letting tiredness have its way, and leaned his head against Bel’s still chest, next to where the sun-protection amulet still lay.


He was more than half asleep by the time they reached his room. Bel turned down the blankets and set Oisin in the bed. Oisin blinked his eyes open drowsily, looking up at Bel, who sat on the edge of the bed and looked down at him. “Sleep well, my little deer.”


Oisin reached up to Bel, cupping his cheek for a moment, then slid his hand to the back of his neck and pulled him down to kiss him, gently but insistently.


Chapter 41