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’s certain until it happens,” Ainya said.


Tarquin wasn’t sure if she meant she knew Tarquin would use the Kawj anyway. But Ainya was looking right at him when she said it.  8: Cuttings


Later, Tarquin was certain all he’d done was close his eyes for a moment while Prea and Edonay discussed preparations to care for the wounded. Then all of a sudden he was awake, listening to the harsh whispering of a hushed argument.


“I don’t understand. I can help you. I’m sure of it. Why be so stubborn for no reason?” Edonay stood with her hands on her hips, looking up at the wall where Five had climbed so high he was tucked just under the ceiling, the one place in the room the sunlight couldn’t touch. He glared down at the animist, his long tail swishing back and forth.


Chapter 59