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

But part of him didn’t really want to know. He would have to admit that he missed out on it, that he never got a chance to experience and enjoy being part of something meaningful.


Instead, he merely bid her farewell, paid for the items, and left.28


Terrell damn near started crying when he saw the books. Despite lingering hesitations about showing any kind of affection in front of his sister, he embraced him and held him close for a really long time. “I should go grocery shopping more often,” Dakota said quietly into his ear. He knew what this was about, but he couldn’t help but crack a joke, especially if it added a little levity.


“You’re incredible,” he breathed in return.


They let go of each other, and Dakota took a step back. Looking him over, he smiled. “I figured, if you wanted, I could help teach her. Give you a break for a while, or when you’re driving. The books are pretty straightforward, so I think I can handle it.”


Chapter 74