Exhausted with life, Dakota tries to end his -- only to be saved at the last moment by his friend Terrell, who then drags him into a world of magic and intrigue that's always been right there, hidden beneath the surface.<br><br>Powerful magic users are steadily pulling the planet into a violent war, and evil forces will stop at nothing to take the talismans possessed by Dakota and his newfound family. Dakota soon finds himself deeply in over his head ... with love, with family, with fighting for all their lives.

The Pyre Starter

He alone knew the significance of this moment. The celebration. The joy at finally joining Terrell emotionally, or becoming much closer to how he felt. Dakota actually meant it now. Wholeheartedly.


Terrell’s smile grew a little bigger, but when he spoke, he had to stifle a sob. “I love you, too, Dakota. I love you so much.”


Comforted, Dakota caressed his love’s hand. Though a million things bounced around inside his head, he couldn’t think of a single additional thing to write. What more could he say? What more shouldhe say, given that Terrell just lost family members andhis home? Never mind his worry over Dakota’s own dire circumstances.


Before he could come up with anything, the narcotics in his IV drip started to drag him back into unconsciousness. His eyelids drooped and some of the pain abated. He lay back on the stretcher, trying to focus on breathing.


But Terrell took on a concerned expression as he addressed the paramedic directly. “Is it okay that he falls asleep?”


Chapter 48