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 nodded again, and they both shifted until Five sat on top of the blanket with his back against the wall and Tarquin sat with his legs still underneath the covers. Only their shoulders touched.


“Hang on…” Tarquin considered for a moment, and then held Five’s hand palm down, starting with the thumb. “I don’t want to accidentally slice your finger,” he explained as he settled the snips around the claw.


Five nodded. He stayed completely still.


Tarquin started to cut, but hesitated, looking up at Five. “Um, I just realized…without these, what will you do for weapons? I mean, they’re like little daggers…”


Five grinned, but then made a fist with his free hand and mimicked a sword thrust. He tapped his shieldmark, then arched his eyebrows.


Chapter 60