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

Nobody counted scars in the underworld.


Then Tarquin put his wrists over the lip of the bowl and surrendered himself to the Kawj.


It hadn’t been like that in his dream. Then the cold had cut so deep, it burned. But now Tarquin was warm. He could feel the slow itch of the blood dripping from his arms, knew his life was ebbing with it, but it didn’t matter. He was surrounded by light, dazzling even through his eyelids. It was as red as life, and bright and beautiful and perfect


The magic surged through him like water, like blood. And this time he would pay what he owed.


Help me now, and I’ll do anything. The sense of agreement he felt in return was like the sweet laugh of a child.


Chapter 79