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

Oisin stroked him through it, milking every last drop from the shuddering Bel, only stopping when he was certain there was no more. He finally let his hand fall and leaned in to kiss Bel once more, tenderly. Bel kissed him back softly, then let his head fall back to the rim of the tub again, his half-closed eyes full of dazed pleasure. His rapid breath slowed, then stopped with one last sigh. He lay still for a time, and Oisin simply sat with him, leaning his head on Bel’s shoulder contentedly.


At length Bel said, “I suppose we should actually bathe,” and started the water running again. Neither moved, though, as the tub slowly filled around them. They simply rested warmly together as the water rose. Eventually the tub was full and Bel shifted a bit, turning off the water again. Oisin sat back and reached for the soap, and the two spent the next few minutes scrubbing each other, finding excuses to touch and be close at every opportunity. It was utterly wonderful.


Chapter 56