Dara was born with natural power, but the aristocratic Witch Kin hold the monopoly on all things magic and Dara's half-blood status excludes her from their ranks. Until Hugh arrives on the scene, because with his help she can brave the Kin's sneers and work at being the best of the best, travelling to Scotland and beyond to develop her abilities.
She wants acceptance into the Kin, but even more than that, she needs to find her mother. This is something she can't tell Hugh, although they're growing closer than a teacher and student should.
And she finds out that a little knowledge can be more dangerous than none at all.