"Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic--so when Ash is rejected by Lancaster College of Alchemic Science, he takes a job as the school's groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret. When he's discovered by the condescending and brilliant apprentice Ramsay Thorne, Ash is sure he's about to be arrested--but instead of calling the reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash's secret...