Debutante Ball successfully behind her, Athanasia's social obligations are suddenly overflowing. As correspondence and tea parties fill up her plate, she almost doesn't miss Master Sorcerer Lucas, who is off in search of the World Tree. However, when one gathering goes terribly wrong and Athanasia's powers once again threaten her life, Lucas isn't there to save her--instead, inexplicably, it is Claude who rushes to his daughter's aid. His efforts come at a price, though, and upon his awakening, a terrible realization sets in...