Autumn Mathers cuts an unassuming figure. In the dim lighting of her bookstore, filled with old, oaken shelves and dusty, hard-bound volumes, she either sits quietly or flits between aisles, low leather boots clicking quietly across the old hardwood floor. Her clothing is always professional, but old-fashioned, as if several decades out of date. Despite this, her presentation is always impeccable, if formal and severe. Creme blouses and tweed jackets, slacks, and skirts all well-pressed and British librarian chic serve as the foundation of her wardrobe. Of course, there's also the eyepatch and the little scar that peeks out from underneath it . . .

CONNECTIONS

• Ever since the boy Luthien and his magic sword turned up on her doorstep, Autumn has taken a certain amount of responsibility for him. Big things are coming, and he needs to understand just what they are.
  
  
• Analia wasn't far behind, but Autumn had had eyes on her for far longer. The older woman stepped in after one of the young witch's spells went awry. Only then did she let on about their family connection. Someone needs to teach her the craft, after all . . .
  
  
• Bryxton has been up to his ears in monsters for quite a while. When one problem became more than he could handle by himself, Autumn started digging through her books for the right answer.
  
  
• Analia's little ghostly hanger-on proved useful. Autumn needed a finger bone from a saint kept in the local Catholic parish, and the ghost was well-suited to getting it for her. If she's noticed the affection he barely hides . . . well, she hasn't let on.
  
  
• Olantiel, er . . . Oscar, on the other hand, is a bit of a problem. He knows things about Autumn that she'd rather keep to herself. Pesky angels always do. He's agreed to keep quiet for now, though.