“But I’m trying to end it, once and for all. Get rid of the Chancellor and the stolen magic he wields.”

Her eyes flick in my direction.

“That’s why I was in Totsi’s, actually.”

She leans in, unblinking, as if what I’m ’bout to say is what she’s been thirsting to hear for years. “Go on.”

Something inside me wiggles with nerves. How much do I tell this lady? I don’t know her, know her. Not like foreal. “I’m looking for a spell book.”

“We don’t do any sort of, uhm… traditional magic stuff here, so I’m afraid I’m no help with that. Totsi was the bookish one. I’d worked hard and entered my name for Binding, but I was designated Macazi.” She sighs and it’s heavy “And, well, the rest is a story for another day.” She brushes a deep scar on her leg.

Her faraway look dissolves and her thin lips and tight stare are back. “Listen, I won’t lie to you: Everything we do here is with our survival in mind. No one’s concerned about our welfare. Dwegini spit when they see us, and Zruki are only moderately better. Trade is how we… acquire what we need here.” She taps the wall and tings echo through the air. “We can’t risk the wrong person discovering we are down here. These walls ensure that if we’re invaded, magic can’t be used as a weapon against us. But lately I worry it’s not enough.” She meets my eyes and I go cold all over. “With the world upside down, we’ve been forced to leave our lair more often. The more we leave, the more we risk exposure. I have heard of a veil of protection that lies over this island, making it undiscoverable. I’d like our home to be protected the same way.” Her gaze falls to my wrists.

“What are you asking?”

She is quiet for several moments. She clasps her hands and turns. “Trade is a funny thing. When interests align with people you despise, you may find yourself at the same table.”

“That sounds like a threat.” I call to my magic out of stubborn habit and heat inside me rises, pulling through my arms and into my hands, but it comes out like a puff of air, fizzling out.

“Don’t be hasty, Rue. I am not your enemy. But there is a hefty price on your head.”

“They killed your sister. They killed your guy just the other day.”

“And yet I still have thousands more to protect. Thousands no one else even cares about.” A tangled web of emotion glistens in her eyes. “What would you have me do?”