"[A] wonderful follow-up to [the] extraordinary fantasy debut, Mélusine, this sequel is every bit as original and satisfying as its predecessor." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

His sanity restored, Felix Harrowgate knows there's only one way back to the life he once knew as one of an elite society of wizards: return to Mélusine and restore the Virtu, the source of the city's power and protection. After all, it was the manipulations of Felix's former master that destroyed the magical orb. Now that Felix has determined his course of action, there's a very specific companion he needs for this epic journey.

Only Mildmay isn't so keen on Felix's plan. Not only is the assassin and thief grieving his dead lover, he's suffering the ill effects of a curse. Besides, Mildmay isn't so sure a return to Mélusine is in Felix's best interests. But there's no persuading Felix otherwise, which means Mildmay is compelled to join forces once more with the mercurial wizard with whom he shares a bond unlike any other.

But neither man expects the evil they encounter when they enter Mélusine once more. For Malkar Gennadion, the dark wizard and sadistic master Felix believes himself free of, lies in wait. . . .

"An engagingly intelligent fantasy." — Library Journal

"Compelling. . . . The magic is delightfully inventive. . . . Perhaps best of all is [Addison's] authorial voice, abundantly blessed with originality, sophistication, and artistry." — Booklist

Book two in award-winning author Katherine Addison's captivating series, The Doctrine of Labyrinths

Originally published under the name Sarah Monette.