The Lamprey [1]

Witches are stealing human bodies. They use them to deceive other humans, to slaughter them, devour them whole. The only way they can die is by fire, and when fire is involved, things burn. With the gods absent and the world ablaze, its up to the witch-slayers to put it out. But it's a losing battle.

Gremaud has nothing and wants nothing but the strength to save his burning kingdom from fire. But prophecy follows in the wake of his comrade, the chosen one. Visited by Smoke, a mysterious voice carried by wind, he is warned against his own will, but is left with only envy for his comrade- and hate.

The chosen one is Adler, and he's the strongest soldier the Old Dominion has seen since the heroes of old. Adler is also the crown prince, raised safely behind walls by men and women whose only goal was to gain his favor, and his throne. So he's done with glory, comfort, and prophecy. At the end of the world, all he wants is a real friend.

The bastard Evane is past his prime, and weak to stop the flames that engulf his homeland. In fact, he's already been burned by fire, and now walks mutilated and hated by the oppressive theocracy which promises equality and peace. But unable to fight and blessed with illegal magic, he's found the only way to put out the fire is to stop fighting with it.

The Lamprey is a grimdark horror with graphic themes, including gore, violence, and trauma.