Grey Magic

Lord Gabriel Phel has finally secured the thing he wanted most, but it may slip away. His wife, who is also his familiar and the mother of his child, has committed herself to him in a way he can fully trust. Together they are raising a home that is more than walls: a widening circle of friends and allies who can stand beside them against those who wish them harm. Gabriel is also slowly learning to control his magic and shape it into the strong instrument and weapon it is meant to be. Yet old foes and new ones are moving to strip him of everything he has gained.

Lady Veronica, now a full member of House Phel, is trying to let herself be happy. She has plenty to manage, from keeping her volatile, powerful wizard steady as he steps into leadership of the house to discovering her own remarkable gift. She worries that whatever calm they win will not last. When the enemy finally strikes, possibly including her own father, they will have to be ready to protect what matters most to them. Her idealistic husband keeps making noble choices that are foolish and put them in greater danger, and she loves him all the more for it.

Nic and Gabriel work to bring order to their household while sheltering Nic's runaway sister, a decision that is ill-advised, and risking their lives to protect Gabriel's sister's sanity. Meanwhile their enemies close in on the carefully laid plans. When an unthinkable event occurs, the two must rely on the new, untested magic they have woven together.