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

“Oh.” The emotions that had gathered in his throat splintered into hundreds of pieces, tiny shards cracking and falling into the pit of his belly. “Niko.”


A sob broke in his throat. A gasp rattled his chest. A tear rolled down his cheek. Travis opened his eyes. And in front of him, cheek cradled in his palm, was Niko. Capturing his face between his hands, Travis crushed their mouths together, the hurt and fear and grief melting away as though they never existed.


“It’s okay, Travis,” Niko murmured between kisses. “I’m all right. You were just caught in their illusion.”


Travis still had that gentle hold on Niko, but when he looked over his head he saw, with abject horror, what he meant. Huddled in the corner of the room, legs hugged to her chest and face buried in her knees, a little girl trembled and cried. In front of her, towering almost seven feet tall, with monstrous features, was a shade.


Chapter 22