On the colony world of Emeritus, where cold science reigns supreme, Elise has gone to the University of Eruditus to deal with a mysterious problem - spontaneous levitation. The University's Scion introduces Elise to Luke, a Guild Pilot and Peregrine Knight - one the Magicians of Night. Luke is to teach her to control her odd talent. But Luke did not agree to teach her of his own free will. He was forcibly taken and his powers bound. After a single kiss everything changes; for Luke, and for Elise, forever. Innocent Elise, a fledgling magician destined for the Pilot's Guild, is caught in a subtle game of manipulation where desire and sexual release the keys - to power.