From the moment Taden rescues Nathaniel from the Sutherlin soldiers' torture, he finds himself caught in the gaze of the most beautiful eyes he's ever seen; amazing eyes that hold him thrilled and confused. The Sutherlins are planning to invade the beautiful Tahon Valley, but as Taden secrets Nathaniel from their reach, he finds himself drawn to the young man. Not only does he feel the urge to protect him, but he feels an ache he hasn't felt in many long years.<br><br>Nathaniel claims to be a traveler from a distant continent, saying he comes in peace. True or not, the youth has powers beyond anything Taden has seen -- control over men and animals and the very weather. Taden falls hard for the strange traveler, protecting him not only from the Sutherlins but from his own mistrustful people, who don't understand Nathaniel's powers and accuse him of being a witch ...

Nathaniel

“Coming, gentlemen?” he called to them. Bryce scowled and went to retrieve his horse. Taden took a moment to extinguish the fire and gather his tattered wits and the blankets he’d slept on. A spare packet of food lay folded neatly on the grass, a parting gift from Nathaniel. Taden snatched it up, seething inwardly as he went to Bryce, stowed everything in the saddlebags, and mounted behind him on the horse. The sooner they found Nathaniel and his companion and put the three witches back on a ship to wherever they’d come from, the better for his peace of mind. He ignored the ache deep inside for Nathaniel’s sweet touch and the soft pressure of his lips.


Chapter 10