Twenty-year-old Tarquin is smart, tactless, and braver than he knows. He's also been Mage of the Realm of Kelor for two years, taking the title from his mother after she died protecting Kelor from a terrible threat. Mages, unlike all other magicians, give their blood in exchange for far more powerful magic. Unfortunately for the Mage of the Realm, there's always the chance one day Kelor will need magic of such potency that a mage will have to give not just their blood, but their life. Tarquin's mother already made this sacrifice, and Tarquin knows it's likely also his fate. While on a quest to heal his brother, who is dying because of Tarquin's reckless mistake, Tarquin is attacked by a horrific, flesh-eating monster. He's saved by an enigmatic and mute young soldier, called "Five", who is cursed with a terrifying appearance that conceals the heart of a knight. There's an almost instant attraction between the two men, but no time to explore it. The monster's attack is the harbinger of a new invasion. With Kelor helpless, the realm's only hope lies with Tarquin. Just as he feared, his sole choice is to sacrifice himself the way his mother did, in exchange for magic strong enough to destroy the coming evil. He's prepared to give up his life to save the realm, but before the battle is over, he'll be faced not just with his own death, but the death of everyone he cares about. Including the cursed soldier he's come to love.

Blood for Magic

He stood just outside their little group with his tail swishing back and forth. He hugged himself, shifting from foot to naked, clawed foot in what Tarquin could tell was both cold and uncertainty. Five looked even more bedraggled than when Tarquin had last seen him, with his matted hair and grimy skin, and the splatters and smears of blood, and the burn Tarquin had given him as a new stain on his neck. He also stank like a pigsty, and Tarquin hoped all the wounds he couldn’t see weren’t festering under Five’s filthy robe. At least it seemed like the arrow wound had stopped bleeding.


No one openly acknowledged Five, though Tarquin moved the hearth lights so they wouldn’t shine so close to his sensitive eyes. Ainya quietly shifted aside to give Five more room, and after another interminable hesitation, he finally joined them, kneeling like he was sure he’d have to leap back to his feet. Ainya reached into the bag and held out one more bowl and spoon.


Chapter 22