In post-war Andarra, magic is regarded as a dangerous and blasphemous tool of the oppressors. The Four Tenets and the larger Treaty were devised as regulatory measures to prevent the return of tyranny and protect both magical and non-magical beings. However, as Davian, Asha, and Wirr struggle with their own limited freedom, the novel explores the ethics of constraining such power, and the story implies that magic is neither inherently good nor evil; it is a power defined by context, intent, and consequences.

To the Loyalists, the ability of the Gifted to wield Essence and the Augurs’ ability to See the future and Read and Control minds are insidious powers that no individual should be allowed to freely possess. Administrator Talean, who enforced the Treaty, believes “in protecting the Gifted just as much as protecting everyone else from them” (34). Davian’s unconscious use of mind Control to kill a group of men and mutilate Taeris’s face is one example of the tragedies caused by unchecked power. Likewise, Wirr believes in “reasonable checks and balances” (107) and advocates for amending existing rules rather than abolishing them completely. Even Ilseth Tenvar admits that the Augurs “are at fault. Undoubtedly” (30) for abusing their powers. Yet the rules that were subsequently set in place to balance power are also punitive, giving those who serve the new regime the license to retaliate against their former enemies. For example, Asha learns that the Administration “wouldn’t lift a finger” (84) to address a Shadow’s accusation, and neither Shadows nor Gifted have any legal recourse to challenge their abusers. Thus, the laws intended to ensure justice are now hypocritically used to legitimize injustice.

The Gifted and Augurs are not predisposed to tyranny just because they have the potential to wield magic that is powerful enough to subjugate the non-Gifted. During Davian’s Augur training, Malshash explains, “You’ll have opportunities—many opportunities—to use kan in ways that will benefit you, but are not strictly…moral. It’s a constant temptation” (361). These words emphasize that power, whether magical or mundane, is not inherently corrupt; the moral labels come instead from the ways in which such power is used. Malshash makes a distinction between the use of kan for manipulative Control and the ethical use of “Influencing” to help Davian focus. The narrative also provides several examples of the Gifted using their powers for good, as when certain characters save lives, heal wounds, or engage in self-defense. In Asha’s case, she brings criminals like Ilseth Tenvar to justice. However, a morally ambiguous use can be seen in Erran’s decision to employ mind Control over Elocien for the greater good. Though the novel focuses on the wielding of magic, this premise becomes an analogy for all forms of power, and the events of the novel illustrate ways to wield power responsibly and ethically. Within this context, the revised Tenets give the Gifted greater autonomy and the right to defend themselves, but Wirr balance these rights with accountability. Yet through Davian’s doubts, the novel also examines the question of whether those with power are destined to abuse it.