Forged by Blood

DEBUT In the land of Ife, those who hold magical powers are hunted by the king. Dèmi and her mother have magic and are hiding in a village pretending to be Ajes, those without magic, when thrust into a situation where their magic is needed. This magic comes from the gods, and they are bound to use it to help others. A wealthy woman brings them a boy dying from poison. Risking their lives, Dèmi’s mother heals the boy, but they are betrayed by the woman, who fears their magic. Dèmi’s mother is killed in front of her, leaving her an orphan. Years later, Dèmi is caught using magic to save children from enslavement and is given another choice—help her people, the Oluso, gain political power by kidnapping the prince or be turned in for using magic. Kidnapping the prince proves harder than expected; the more time they spend together, the more their attraction for each other gets in the way.