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 let out a sharp bark of laughter, though the sound was far from happy. “Ha! Indeed. I will do what I can to find a path forward for you, Aya.”


“Thank you.” He smile turned wistful and she touched his arm softly, then sighed. “I will say my farewells and return to my home. But…It is good to see you by sunlight again. Whatever the future holds, I hope you’ll be happy, Shamash.”


“I wish happiness for you as well, Aya,” he said gently. Aya gave him a half smile and a small nod, then turned and strode swiftly down the path, and a moment later she was gone.


Bel stared after her for a long time, until Oisin came up and took his hand. Bel squeezed it and turned back to the house. “I suppose I should see what I can do about her request.” He looked down at Oisin, and a wry smile crossed his face as his hand rose to touch the sun amulet. “You have done the impossible for me already. Perhaps we can do the impossible for her as well.”


“I’ll help however I can,” said Oisin.


Chapter 57