A powerful but pampered lord, Chariz has no interest in a single slave thrown at his feet, until he finds out the man is no slave at all. Oriel may be an empath, or a magician or a charlatan, even, and his mysterious allure draws Chariz closer. But Oriel's touch is a prize that others crave too, putting him in mortal danger. Chariz must decide whether he will pay the price of Oriel soothing his desires and needs, when that price may demand a shocking sacrifice ... from them both.