He's fallen too far to save... but his enemy is going to try. In a world of warring orcs and men, Kesst of Clan Ash-Kai is a pawn. A pretty, pliant plaything, bound to the cruelest orcs in the realm. Until the new healer storms in. He's huge, hostile, and hideous, with a powerful scarred body and terrifying ancient magic. And it only takes one disastrous meeting before he and Kesst are bitter enemies, and Kesst vows to see the vile brute destroyed... And then a sudden, deadly attack hurls his helpless body straight at the healer's feet. Kesst fully expects to be mocked, belittled, abandoned to his doom - but instead, his new enemy picks him up. Soothes his wounds. And carries him home... Soon Kesst is trapped in a tiny sickroom beneath Orc Mountain, caught in the thrall of the healer's impossible magic. In the surprising gentleness of his touch. In the strength of his stubborn, seductive safety... But with his horrid handlers close on their scent, Kesst can't possibly be falling for his forbidden foe... can he? Can a healer save him from his sins... or destroy him? _____________________ A dark, angsty, MM fantasy romance novella. Comes before the Orc Sworn series, but also reads as a standalone. Happily ever after guaranteed.