"This is one POWERFUL book. The hero and heroine are both as immovable as a mountain, and as strong-minded as they come. The action and surprises are absolutely non-stop. And the love, ahh, the love is as beautiful as a flowering garden at sunrise. A fantastic story from start to finish."—Irene Marshall, Escape to Romance

"...Never a dull moment, and throughout all we have a beautiful and well-written story of love wanted, love betrayed, and love rediscovered. Definitely a five-star read in fantasy alone, for the richness of the tale and its characters is a pleasure in and of itself."—Rose, Romance At Heart

"...A refreshingly original tale of love, chivalry and magic...A richly developed novel of surprising depth and marvelous twists...Very highly recommended."—Cindy Penn, Word Weaving

"...A delightful read into a fantasy world that is guaranteed to be a favorite among readers of the Fantasy genre."—Kari Thomas, A Romance Review

"...This fantastical journey is well worth a look..."—Rie, Love Romances

"...A fascinating tale sure to capture any reader's heart...If you crave adventure filled with passion and danger then this book is for you...definitely not to be missed."—Robin Peek, The Word on Romance

…If Mason was surprised to see me when at last I reached the front of the line, he showed no sign. "What hast thou brought to me?"

"I have no gold to line thy coffers," I said, for the second time this day using the formal language. "But I do have a boon for thee to grant."

The phantom of a smile touched the mouth I knew all too well. "What is thy desire, little bird?"

I stepped closer to the dais, but placed not my foot upon it. I remembered the hunter. "There is a man who would have me love him, my lord."

Mason's reply was unspoken. Instead, he flicked his fingers at me in permission to continue. His eyes met mine without blinking and I detected a further hint of amusement within.

"I wish not to love him. I would have thee to make it so."

In an instant, the amusement in his eyes turned to anger. "I will grant this boon not."

"Why not?" I swept my hands along the direction of the line stretching out behind me. "Thou hast granted the boons of those who came before me! Thou shalt grant the requests of those who come after me! Why not mine, then, sorcerer?"

Mason rose from the chair in which he had lounged without moving for hours. Stretching to his full height, his dark eyes flashing, he towered over me. I tried not to tremble or to back away.

"I answer not to foolish girls who waste my time with foolish requests!" he belted. His dark hair shone with mixing, swirling colors. As I watched, a band of color ran out through the length of his hair and burst forth in a flash of blue and green and violet. A nimbus of angry energy surrounded him.

Despite my best resolve, I stepped back. Behind me, I heard the buzz of concern growing. I gathered my courage and refused to retreat further. "Grant my boon!"

Mason looked at me. The sparks continued to fly off him in crackling bursts, but he stopped his angry pacing. Again, a smile stroked his lips, but left his eyes untouched.

"And what price art thou prepared to pay for this boon I grant?" As it had the first time he kissed me, the silk of his voice caressed me and made me shiver.

'Twas as if we were alone in the room. I could hear nothing, see nothing, but this man I had taken into my bed. I had not planned to participate in Granting Day. As usual, I had not thought ahead to the results of my actions. Still, I had petitioned him with full understanding of the price, and now I had no choice but to pay it. And would not the price be worth the sacrifice, if it meant I would be free from loving the man before me?

"The price is what is written," I replied without hesitation. "One part of my soul."

"Nay!" Mason roared. "I will not grant thy boon!"

Thunder rumbled throughout the Grand Hall, shaking and even shattering a few of the windows. Red glass, like blood, rained down upon the crowd trying to escape through the doorway. Pushing and shoving, the last supplicants forced themselves through the doors as I watched. The great doors, cobwebs still clinging to them like veils on a long-dead bride, swung shut with a thunder to match that from overhead.

My eyes remained locked on the sorcerer's as he thrust his hands to the heavens, calling down the powers he possessed. A vast ball of pulsing light grew between his outstretched palms, throbbing to the rhythm of my heart. I could feel the hairs on my arms and head strain toward the heaving orb of magic Mason held.

The ball of light expanded, engulfing him until he stood outlined by its glow. When his magic had consumed him, Mason lowered his arms. When he spoke, his whisper was for me alone.

"One part of thy soul is naught to me," he whispered, "when, with thy love, I shall have thy soul entire."