Book 7 of The Merged World Series -- Magic arc. For five years the small coven has had relative peace. Carol Grayson's studies have allowed her to control her magic as a wolf-witch. Amelia Rutledge finally bows to destiny, taking up the key of time. Pepper Paull-Charteris has grown as wife to Mike and mother to the little witch, Celeste. Pepper has never been more happy or more challenged. With the worlds on the brink of war, the coven can't rest. Carol must prepare the weres of every breed for war. Amelia comes to own the key, but learns that's only the first step. She needs every moment to work in and out of time, organizing the fight. Pepper has the most difficult task, taking up the books she'd avoided. For the first time in her long and violent life, Pepper knows fear... it isn't from Dragon's, Vampires or the coming War. This fear strikes closer to her heart...