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

“Yes,” he said immediately. “Yes. Of course you can.”


They went to his rooms first so he could get into warmer clothing. Tarquin thought that Yehan would want to as well, but he stayed in just his leggings. The cold didn’t seem to bother him anymore.


“Dragons aren’t like wyverns. We’re warm-blooded,” he explained when they were outside and Tarquin looked askance at him. He tapped his chest. “It’s the fire.”


Tarquin blinked. “Do you breathe fire?”


Yehan smirked. “No. It’s just in the blood, I guess. I always wanted to breathe fire.” He grimaced. “I probably would’ve burned my face off.” He spread his arms. “Are you ready?”


“Maybe?” Tarquin looked up. It was a cold, clear night and the stars seemed exceptionally far away. “Um, how far are we going?”


“Not far. I promise I won’t drop you. Look.” Yehan pointed to the flat top of the keep. “We can just go there, if you want.”


Chapter 91