In the secret lockup of the Authority, the council that decides what can and can't be done with magic, an undead magic user has possessed one of the prisoners. He wants his freedom-and then some. Now Allie Beckstrom and her lover, Zayvion, are the first line of defense against the chaos he's about to unleash on the city of Portland...
Allie Beckstrom's lover, Zayvion Jones, is a Guardian of the Gate, imbued with both light and dark magic and responsible for ensuring that those energies don't mix. But Zayvion lies in a coma, his soul trapped in death's realm. And when Allie discovers that the only way to save Zayvion is to sacrifice her very own magical essence, she makes a decision that may have grave consequences for the entire world.
"Magic stirred in me.... I closed my eyes, wanting to lose myself to it.Wanting to use magic in every way I could. But that would be bad. I hadenough magic inside me; I could burn down a city. And I didn't want to dothat...." Allie Beckstrom knows better than most that when magic's involved, youalways pay. Whether the price is migraines, amnesia, or muscle aches, she iscommitted to her work as a Hound, tracing illegal spells back to theircasters. But her job is about to get much more dangerous.
Allison Beckstrom's magic has taken its toll on her, physically marking her and erasing her memories - including those of the man she supposedly loves. But lost memories aren't the only things preying on Allie's thoughts. Her late father, the prominent businessman - and sorcerer - Daniel Beckstrom, has somehow channeled himself into her very mind. With the help of The Authority, a secret organization of magic users, she hopes to gain better control over her own abilities - and find a way to deal with her father.
Working as a Hound - tracing illegal spells back to their casters - has taken its toll on Allison Beckstrom. But even though magic has given her migraines and stolen her recent memory, Allie isn't about to quit. Then the police's magic enforcement division asks her to consult on a missing persons case. But what seems to be a straightforward job turns out to be anything but, as Allie finds herself drawn into the underworld of criminals, ghosts, and blood magic.
