A dragon-slayer. A magician. A forbidden love stronger than all the forces of the kingdom. How can Kale pass up the chance to set things right with the only man he ever loved, no matter the risk? Dragon-slayer Kale has loved Holin all his life. Even before he knew what love was. Certainly before he could admit to it. The boys grew up squabbling, playing, learning to fight dragons together, and exploring their confusing new feelings for each other. But in a world where dragon-slayers and magicians are sworn enemies, fate tore them apart: Holin developed magic. And Kale has never stopped regretting it. Now, after years apart, they accidentally meet in a small inn....

Together at last, Holin and Kale are on the run from magicians and dragon-slayers alike, but utterly happy because they have each other. Then one night, soldiers arrive and capture them both. Kale escapes with Holin's help—and vows to return and rescue his beloved. But that might not be as easy as it sounds, even for a man like Kale. With help from the mysterious old slayer Carlon, Kale tracks down Holin…and finds a different man entirely. Holin's memory was stolen by magic. The first thing he does is stab Kale. Is there any way to repair their bond and bring back the old Holin, the one Kale has loved all his life, or will he forever be a broken and untrusting stranger? 55,000 words sequel to Hearts of Gold Warning: contains dark content & angst