The Cost of Power

THERE IS A SHADOW THAT SEEKS TO BATTER THE WORLD INTO NOTHINGNESS. IT IS OUR TASK AS MARTINIERES TO KEEP IT AT BAY.

Etienne Martiniere As Gabriel Martiniere and his wife Ruby struggle to recover from the catastrophic events that almost destroyed them and catapulted Gabe into the leadership of the Martiniere Family and the Martiniere Group, the warning from his ancestor Etienne given two centuries earlier continues to haunt him. What is that shadow? Why are he and Ruby so important for the survival of the multiverse?

Meanwhile, Ruby deals with the issues caused by his dead cousin Joey's daughters, conceived under the auspices of a dangerous and elusive religious cult. While one of the mothers is friendly to the Martinieres, the other mother, Britney, still worships Joey. Britney's claims to interact with Joey after his death worry Ruby. Britney thinks she and Joey will attain some sort of mystical power.

The defection of a powerful member from the Braun family, centuries-old enemies of the Martinieres, gives both Ruby and Gabe hope. A chance to finally prevail not just in their realm but to help their guardian spirit, the Melusine, triumph over the Braun's tutelary spirit, the Lorelei. Will that be enough to help Gabe and Ruby achieve victory? Between digital thought clones and a feud between the Melusine and the Lorelei that crosses universes as well as eons, the odds against them are high.

But they are not alone-and Etienne's legacy may be exactly what they need to prevail. However, what price do they pay? What do they sacrifice-and will their love survive?