Kelwyn Grayson is just one more faceless runaway on the streets of Tower City. Among elves, gnolls, and dragons, one winged boy fades into the background of life in the Eternal Kingdom.  But when he cuts the purse of the handsome were-lion Harun Rashid, he finds himself dragged out of the crowd.<br><br>Rather than a cell, however, Harun offers a helping hand to set Kelwyn on the road to a respectable, peaceful life ... if he could just bring himself to stop flirting shamelessly with Harun, keep his sticky fingers to himself, and avoid bringing the wrath of a powerful, mad vampire down on his head.<br><br>But even faced with Kelwyn's death -- or undeath -- Harun will not give up on him, and Kelwyn will not give up on finding his way to sharing that peaceful life with Harun.  Two men, love, and magic are bound and determined to find their way to their shared dream of a future -- and family.

Blood and Fire

Inside he found himself in a fine parlor, furnished in a comfortable style of heavy wood and warm velvet, very expensive, but very different from the baroque, almost delicate style that was currently in fashion. Of course the Eternal Queen had reigned here for well over a thousand years now, so it was hardly surprising that she didn’t keep things strictly up to date in her own quarters. The room was empty, though, with no sign of its larger than life inhabitant.


“I’m in here, Harun,” called a rich, deep, alto voice.


“Yes, Your Majesty.” Harun led the way across the parlor’s thick carpet and into a second room, which proved to be a study. It too was in that rich, solid style, though it was a little brighter, lit with white mage-lights rather than ordinary lamps. Probably a good idea around so many books, for the room was absolutely crammed with them.


Chapter 18