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

“Nothing at all? Truly?” Prea asked him. “I’m so sorry,” she said when Five nodded again.


“I can’t even guess what that’d be like,” Ainya said. “Maybe I can help find your past for you.”


“You really can’t speak at all? Or write?” Tarquin asked him. “I’m sorry for that, too,” he said when Five nodded at him. “I didn’t…um, I should have guessed.”


“Why can’t you?” Tarquin said. “I mean, is it part of…?” He gestured vaguely at Five’s body.


Five just shrugged again, then ducked his head. He looked miserable.


“I’m sure he would tell us if he were able to, Tarquin,” Prea said.


“Right.” Tarquin grimaced. “I keep doing that, asking questions you can’t answer.”


“Shh.” Ainya held the bowl in one hand, tilting it back and forth as she studied the leaves. She squinted at whatever she saw, then looked up at Five. “You’re far from home.”


“That does seem somewhat obvious,” Prea said mildly.


Chapter 23