A lonesome kashaf with a long cultic family history discovers the death of his closest friend's wife brings out more than skeletons from their closet. For centuries kashefa families, hidden in plain sight with an assortment of peculiarities like blending lavender and lady's mantle tonic or hosting a midnight Samhain festival, have passed on their ancient traditions from mother to daughter until two sons from neighboring kashefa families, both born near the festival of Mabon, throw a wrench into the works. The son from the de Vespi family line has lived in the shadow of his best friend, the golden boy from the Wickham household. But when the kashefa's curse raises its ugly head, taking the cherished wife from one of them, the two sons learn more than they ever thought possible about loyalty, themselves, and their own history. "Aunt Aurelia and Aunt Phoebe taught me a few family secrets. Crush some dried coltsfoot with boiled waterpepper and mullein leaves to heal the cough. Cowslip flowers and walnut syrup heal baldness. Mugwort root, beth root, and lady's mantle tonic prevent miscarriages. Lavender makes the best fragrance for the home, and welcoming parties go best with chamomile tea and lemongrass."