Doctrine of Labyrinths

Welcome to Melusine, a city as wondrous as it is corrupt. Within its walls lies a stronghold of power and magic, a shining setting for the brilliant Felix Harrowgate. A well-respected wizard and darling of the court, Felix harbors sordid secrets from his peers in the aristocracy: a dark past in which a sadistic wizard enslaved him body and mind, even as he schooled Felix in how to walk among noblemen as if he were one of them. An abuser Felix believes himself free of, until a return to his former master's lair leads to his harrowing fall from grace.

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 Melusine 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.

Within the confines of Mélusine lies the Mirador, the city's citadel of power and magic. A stronghold where Felix Harrowgate has found his place once more, his sorcery and his sanity restored. But even a wizard at the height of his powers knows well to watch his back. Which is why Mildmay Foxe won't let Felix out of his sight. The ex-assassin and former cat burglar is Felix's half-brother, a man deeply tied to him by blood and magic. But Mildmay gets caught up in a dangerous attraction to Mehitabel Parr, professional actress and unwilling spy for the Bastion.

When Felix Harrowgate and Mildmay Foxe are charged with heresy and exiled from Mélusine, it feels like the end of the road. But upon entering the country of Corambis to face judgment for their crimes, the brothers find an insurrection underway to restore the monarchy. In a last ditch attempt to turn the tide, the losing rebels have set an ancient machine in motion on a course of destruction. Only a powerful wizard can put a halt to the engine's mysterious and terrifying force. Felix and Mildmay stand ready to take on the challenge—and meet their new destiny.