Appra, Julian's apprentice apothecary, is alone in the study one night when furious knocking at the door disturbs their sleep. With Julian off to a nearby hospital, they're the only person available with enough medical knowledge to help one of Count Lucio's pets, who's recently fallen sick.
Upon arriving at the palace, Appra meets Muriel, Lucio's right hand, and is told about the unfortunate circumstances that befell his late wife, the Countess Nadia, and of her fugitive killer, Asra the magician.
Lucio seeks revenge for the murder of his wife and is sure that Asra is to blame. Obligated to help, Appra must now not only seek out the magician but gain the truth and his confession with it.