Little Fire (Warriors of the Five Realms, #1)

by Hollee Mands

A mage’s ascension was said to be so violent the resulting power was etched into their skin.

Acknowledging something only gave it more power, and pain was no different from any other emotion.

He might have scaled a mountain carrying her on his back, saved her from falling prey to demons . . . but he’d just proven himself the most callous man she’d ever had the misfortune of meeting.

The sight of her, soft and vulnerable, stirred the deepest, darkest part of him. A part that yearned to reach out and close the distance between them.

Evangeline was exquisite. Not beautiful in the overt way of some women.

Alexander nodded in agreement. “Yes, by now, everyone has heard about the woman their archmage hoarded like a precious jewel upon his return.”

She had always thought of him as a dark angel, but now she wondered if he was a demon. Seductive and shamelessly conniving, he offered her a contract he knew she couldn’t turn down.

“Evangeline does not genuflect to me. The woman she calls Mother is not required to do so, either.”

“You’ll free every slave, from every realm . . . just to make me happy?” A resolute nod. Evangeline stared. “Why?” “Because I can.” A man who saw nothing unconquerable.

Unearthly fire clung to him like flames to a pyre, leaching from the marks on his skin as though he were made of molten metal and not flesh.

his little fire was more regal than any queen and stronger than any warrior. Her presence alone commanded his every attention, and her eyes . . . they were enough to bring him to his knees.