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 picked the box up and shook it. “You sure?”


“Okay, okay.” He kissed him softly before ripping open one end of the gift. Inside a plain cardboard box, Dakota found a hand-knitted white and cream-colored scarf. He pulled the garment out and felt the soft yarn between his fingers.


After a long time of watching, Terrell spoke again. “It’s the same kind of knitting, I think, as that blanket you had. Not the same sentimental value, but—”


“It’s perfect!” He bunched it up and brought it to his nose to smell. Something sweet. With hints of Terrell and the cardboard box. “It’s absolutely perfect, Terrell.”


He reached out to Dakota and pulled him close. After some time to savor the moment, Dakota offered Terrell his first gift. An ornate set of pens, which he loved. A leather-bound notebook and some loose parchment paper followed. Perhaps Terrell could write something other than notes on talismans. Or, at least, he might enjoy it more.


Chapter 57