The Ace of Haydes (The Spires Saga Book 2)

Magic. Mayhem. Marriage Proposals.

Damian Spires thought he was ready to settle down. After surviving deadly missions and divine politics, a quiet life with Aziramin Dizket seemed not only possible but within reach. But just as he prepares to propose, they’re torn from Earth and thrust into an ancient conflict on Aziramin’s homeworld—one that pits them against tree goddesses, political upheaval, and a War Mage gone rogue.

Thrown into prison, Damian must navigate cosmic conspiracies and chaotic alliances to reunite with Aziramin. Alongside a crusading Hell Knight, a stylish vampire, and a rebel sibling, he confronts enemies old and new—including a deranged War Mage with ties to Fate itself. Meanwhile, Aziramin faces impossible choices that could determine the future of her world.

The Ace of Haydes is the second volume of the Spires Saga by Mortimer Langford, a genre-bending epic where sword fights, soul-sharing, and interdimensional politics are just another day in the life of a War Mage.

Start reading The Ace of Haydes now and return to a universe where love might just outmatch destiny.

Excerpt from the book

The Wedding Ringer

Gerard stared at the wondrous display of metal and stone, ogling the various wares like a child in a candy shop.

Blaze, however, was scowling. “Okay, seriously, Damian. Why the Hell am I here? I feel like this is more Gerard’s thing.”

Damian let out an impatient sigh. “Because, Blaze, Gerard is a showman. He likes what is flashy and shiny. He doesn’t have the appreciation of sentimentality that you do. He is good at colors, patterns, and excitement. You’re more into actual symbolism. No offense, Gerard.”

Gerard stood straight and adjusted his sequined blue bowtie. “None taken,” he replied, raising an eyebrow. “I am well aware of who I am, and the brand I portray. I yearn for the stage!”

“Exactly.”

“Whatever.” Blaze rolled their eyes. “This is all besides the point. You’ve only been dating her for, what, a year?” They raked their black gloved hand through fiery red and yellow hair.

“Fourteen months,” Damian corrected them.

“Ah,” Blaze conceded. “Right. Massive difference. Anyways, it’s a bit early for this kind of stuff, isn’t it? I mean, you dated Marcy for six months. Your longest relationship was only a year and a half. How the hell are you so sure that this is a good idea?”

“It’s just a feeling, Blaze. You wouldn’t understand.”

Gerard snorted. Blaze glared at him. Gerard immediately straightened up and took to examining the sleeve of his paisley blue suit jacket.

Blaze returned their attention to Damian. “Damian, I am warning you. I’m glad that you like this chick. I’m glad that she likes you, for whatever strange reason that may be. But do not take a leap that you’re going to regret.” They jabbed their finger at Damian’s chest. “I am not going to come drag you out a second time. I remember how you were with Marcy. I’m not about that life.”

“Look, Blaze, I understand that romance isn’t your thing,” Damian began.

“Just because I don’t have the greatest track record doesn’t mean I don’t understand romance!” Blaze shot back. “I have witnessed enough horror stories to be able to point out warning signs.” They gestured at Gerard. “This dumbass is asexual! You wanna lecture on the inability to understand romance, lecture him!”

Gerard scratched his mustache absentmindedly. “I may not be one for dating, but I will have you know I am an excellent romantic.” He glanced at the woman working behind the counter, gave her a wink, and grinned. “It is but another form of showmanship, which you have both agreed I excel at.”

Damian grunted his annoyance, but otherwise ignored the magician. To Blaze, he said, “I’m not asking you to point out warning signs. I’m asking you to point out a ring.”

“Damian Spires, I swear to god, you are setting yourself up for a world of hurt. How do you even know that this is the right step to take?”

Damian spun and elbowed Gerard, who was currently trying to persuade the employee to allow him to try on three rings at once. Gripping Gerard’s hand, Damian dropped to one knee.

“Oh my god,” Gerard murmured, already tearing up. “It’s happening! Wait until my besties hear!”

“You have got to be kidding me,” Blaze grumbled.