Emptiness echoed from the kitchen. The touch of it pulled me from the sleep I'd finally managed to wrangle, harsh and unforgiving rest filled with endless stone corridors and Ameline's laughter.

I leaped from bed, raced down the stairs, while my heart skipped beats and adrenaline raced through my system. My power gathering, maji surging inside me. Only one thing felt empty like that.

Sorcerer.

In my house.

I skidded to a halt, iridescent power rippling ...