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

Nathaniel’s tongue flicked over Taden’s lips, igniting him. With a cry of triumph, he pulled him into his arms, grinning when Nathaniel made a sound of delight. But then the man froze, his face losing all color. “Your friends are coming. I thought we’d have more time.”


Taden let Nathaniel go, and they rose to their feet, their eyes locked.


“Run away,” Taden urged at last, pain shredding his heart.


Nathaniel shook his head. “I have to answer for killing those soldiers.” He gripped Taden’s arm. “I won’t hurt any of them. I swear to you.”


Taden nodded, though his heart was lead as voices reached them from the beach. He helped Nathaniel stomp out the fire, then followed him from under the trees. Nathaniel had his hands open in surrender.


Bryce looked down at them from horseback as they walked out onto the sand. “We found the Sutherlin camp,” he told them, horror flickering in his eyes. He blinked it away. “The Sutherlins have sent an envoy to Duke Hursten, suing for peace.”


Chapter 25