Arius didn’t ask for magical powers or what comes with them. Now under the watchful eye of the Specter Order, an oppressive group that polices all mages, he’s just trying to get by without making waves. Life on the road with only his sarcastic, talking frog, Freddy, for company has its perks: no attachments, no risks, no one to hurt.

Then he meets Delilah.

What starts as an innocent invitation to her cookout turns into something more when Arius finds himself drawn into her peculiar neighborhood. He starts off cynical, wondering why everyone is so nice. However, with each passing day, the walls he’s built around himself begin to crack as he discovers the comfort of community and the joy of sharing a meal with people who care. But the Specter Order doesn’t take kindly to Arius going off-script—and when they demand he hand over Delilah, he has to decide whether to stay safe or fight back.

Blending the wit and whimsy of Good Omens, the fresh voice and high stakes of An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, and the warmth of found family in Legends & Lattes, this story is a heartfelt journey of finding home, standing tall, and choosing love over fear—no matter the cost.