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

“When you were asleep,” Prea said. “I ordered it,” she added when Tarquin goggled at her instead.


“I thought we were all going back to Kel first,” Tarquin said. “Let me come with you, at least,” he said to Ainya. “I mean, I can help.”


The idea of purposely going back to Telir was terrifying, but losing another person he loved to the Burned City was even worse. And then there was Five. He’d barely met him, but Tarquin still couldn’t stomach the idea of anything happening to him.


“You’re also still recovering from injuries,” Prea reminded him. “And you know Queen Isobel will want you at the castle, especially if the worst comes to pass.”


“And you’ll slow us down, Quinny,” Ainya said, not unkindly. “You’re not trained for this, and you’re not a soldier. I know you don’t want us distracted with worrying about you.”


“You might die,” he said. He turned to Prea. “You’re sending your own sister somewhere she might die!”


Chapter 25