Tory and her friends returned home to England in 1803 unharmed, but their views on the world had changed. Their exploits have given them confidence, and their magic has become stronger. Tori is happy that her bond with Allard has become stronger, until she discovers how strongly he is connected to the ancient family estate - lands that he will not inherit until he renounces magic , choosing a spouse without magical powers. If Tori loves him, she must let him go, but is she strong enough to do that? Cynthia's exploits in Dunkirk have earned her respect, but her sharp tongue drives everyone away. She is alone at Lackland Abbey during the Christmas holidays, so she reluctantly agrees to join Jack Rainford and his family for the holiday, even though they are commoners far below her aristocratic status. The Rainfords' warm welcome makes her happy, but she can't fall in love with charming Jack! Right? And then they get caught up in a dangerous attempt to rescue an important French scientist from occupied France. Tory and Allard must work together, many lives are on the line. But disaster strikes, and both their mission and their lives are threatened. Will magic and their loyalty to each other help them survive and return home?