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

“Gods above. Help me, please,” Tarquin said to Faladir. “Please. I need to see if he’s alive.”


“Of course.” Faladir stood and helped Tarquin heave himself to his feet, then supported him cross the room. He only let Tarquin go so he could sit next to the reed pallet where Camma had put Five. The sickroom was rapidly running out of space. Faladir said something to Camma and gently took a jubilant and surprised Elora from her back.


Tarquin fumbled for the pulse at Five’s neck with trembling hands. When he finally found it, he might have sobbed with relief, except for how slow and weak it was. Five looked like his soul was barely attached to his body.


He’d been the conduit for Tarquin’s spell. That was the only reason Tarquin could think of to explain why he hadn’t changed back to his true form like Faladir had done. But it seemed Tarquin had destroyed the Kawj only to give Five a slow, quiet death instead of a fast, agonizing one.


Chapter 85