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

Five screamed and stumbled backward, clapping his palms over his face. The golem seized his thrashing tail and yanked on it, upending Five and dragging him close. Then Faladir bent to grab Five around the throat, lifted him, and slammed him into the table so hard his body cracked the wood.


“No!” Tarquin staggered toward them. “No, Faladir! Stop!” His broken jaw turned the words into painful mush, but he still caught the golem’s attention. Faladir’s neck creaked as the golem turned to look, but he never let go of Five. The golem’s mechanical eyes stayed fixed on Tarquin as he lifted Five and slammed him into the table again, and again. The third time the table split in half, and Five stopped struggling. His arms and legs dangled like a doll, tail dragging along the stone.


Chapter 48