Travis Grayweaver is a witch with two significant problems. First, he has a tendency to run toward trouble instead of away from it without the insurance of a Guild to back him. As a freelancing witch taking odd jobs wherever he can, this has landed him in some trouble with the Grand Council of High Magic. Second, he's madly in love with his best friend Niko, and is much too afraid to confess his feelings to him. Niko, born between the corporeal and ethereal worlds, is a familiar -- cat one minute, human the next -- with a rare, pure source of magick sought after by people all over the world. When contracted, familiars will do whatever they have to in order to protect their human. Although Travis has no contract with Niko, they share an unshakable bond built on friendship, loyalty, and trust. But their bond is put to the ultimate test when something dark and sinister threatens their community and their lives. If they don't stop it in time, Travis might lose Niko -- and the chance to ever tell him how he really feels -- forever.

Watch with Glittering Eyes

Before Travis even had the chance to fully comprehend that the first scream came from a person and not a banshee, Niko took off for the stairs. Dropping all their things, Travis ran to follow, stopped after only a few steps, and looked at the woman behind the front desk, her sandy complexion gone completely ashen. Before following Niko, he needed to make sure everyone was safe. He gestured to the kids who had their hands over their ears and tears in their eyes.


“Take them out of here,” Travis said, quickly. “Get someplace safe and call for the Spirit’s Eye Guild. Tell Josephine Payne that Travis needs help.”


Nodding, she hurried around the counter and gathered the children to leave. At the door, as she ushered them out, she turned back to Travis and looked at the ceiling.


The sounds of people running across the floor pounded above them. Already, they were tearing down the stairs.


“Don’t worry,” Travis said. “I’ll get everyone out.”


Chapter 21