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

“You speak as if anyone could do it.” Mundir snorted. “As if you just hand someone a sharp knife and they become a mage.” He shook his head. “Not so. There’s also speed, and precision, and creativity. Bravery, too. The mage seminary adepts told me I wasn’t able to think quickly enough with a blade in my hand.” His mouth tightened. “They couldn’t fathom why it might be hard to concentrate when you’re anticipating pain or worried about cutting an artery by accident.”


“I think all mages worry about that,” Tarquin said.


“Some more than others, apparently,” Mundir said, and Tarquin could hear the bitterness in his voice. “However, being forced to choose alchemy did put me in a unique position, which is that I understand magery.” He glanced over his shoulder again. “Not how you lot manage to manipulate your magic, unfortunately, but what it means. The exchange.”


Chapter 42