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

“He was just so quiet and so sad. Faladir still smiled when he was with Prea or Ainya or me, but he wasn’t the same. Like part of my brother’s soul had been burned away, too.” Tarquin grimaced, rubbing his forehead. “Gods, that sounds grisly, doesn’t it? That’s what it felt like, though. Like part of his soul was gone.”


Five tugged on his shoulder a little bit, wanting to hug him, but Tarquin just gave him a tiny smile and shook his head. “My brother only seemed happy again when we found out Prea was pregnant.” Tarquin’s smile widened as he remembered that moment. “We thought maybe it’d be enough to…bring him back to us. That being a father would heal him.”


Five pointed at the bowl, and then touched Tarquin’s bandaged arm.


Tarquin nodded. “So you can imagine how awful it was, the night I found him about to throw himself off the top of the cliff that we’re standing in.”


Five gaped at him, his expression eloquent with shock.


Chapter 69