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

Tarquin thought Yehan would have to lie on his stomach to protect his wings, but instead he folded his wings tightly to his back like a bird and then lay on his side. He scooted just close enough to Tarquin that Tarquin’s eyes didn’t cross when he looked at him, and then Yehan put his arm around Tarquin’s waist. Tarquin did the same to him, then started rubbing Yehan’s side. Yehan sighed in obvious contentment.


“You’re so warm,” Tarquin said. He’d expected Yehan would be cold the way Five had been, but his body was like a furnace. Tarquin doubted he’d need all those blankets very soon.


Quiet drifted over them again, like the petal scales from Yehan’s wings. Tarquin was very aware of Yehan’s body—his new body—so alike and so different from Five’s. “I like your wings.”


Chapter 89