A luckless healer who reluctantly accepts a magical apprenticeship must find an impossible cure—and uncover his charming mentor's secret—before it's too late.

Half-goblin Imryn "Imi" Dyre hasn't had an easy life. Born into a poor family and now a student on scholarship, he's marked as an outcast amongst the wealthy magical families. So despite studying and honing his craft for years, it's no surprise when he's rejected from joining the ranks of healers. Just like that, his dream of opening a clinic in his impoverished neighborhood dies.

Out of options, Imi has no choice but to accept an apprenticeship under the master wizard Elim Greenwood. Talented despite his relative youth and—to Imi's dismay—indisputably handsome, Elim seeks a cure for vultrism, a mysterious curse that compels people to feed on the souls of others. And though many before have failed, Imi's magic might actually be the one solution to the fatal affliction. Unfortunately, all his tests are met with failure . . .

But Elim's elusive behavior has Imi thinking something else might be afoot. Not to mention he can't deny the deep affection growing between them. Elim's cheerful and impulsive nature brings out a new side of Imi, but to pursue a romantic relationship with him would incite a scandal within the magical guilds that could cost Imi his professional future. If he's going to make any progress, he'll need to avoid all distractions—and identify a live host to continue his experiments.

With no time to waste, Imi and Elim devise a plan to capture a rogue vultara. But when the creature attacks Imi, his fate lies with Elim and the impossible choice he must make: give up his apprentice's soul to a monster or risk everything they've worked for—and more—to save him. Happily-ever-after has never felt more out of reach. But one selfless act might just prove to Imi he's finally exactly where he belongs . . .