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

Prea was separated from him by a thick mist of red, but so close he could touch her with a flick of his hand. If only he weren’t so tired.


“Prea?” Tarquin’s voice sounded distant, weak and strange, but he knew Prea heard him. “Are you all right?”


“I’m just catching my breath,” she said. “I’m far more concerned about you.”


Tarquin could feel her fear: of the haldur, of the Kawj, for him. He could feel Prea’s daughter kicking, sensing her mother’s unease. He knew Prea’s stomach churned at the thick metallic smell of his blood. He’d bled a great deal, apparently. Luckily he still had some left.


“I’m fine,” Tarquin said. “But maybe you should leave now.”


“I’m staying.” She began to sing.


Tarquin didn’t argue. He didn’t have the energy and there was no time. He needed to use his mage magic for one last thing.


Chapter 81