“Good. Now cross your eyes, then relax them and stare off into space so it’s blurry. Like this.” Thisbe showed Dev how to appear like he was under the Revinir’s spell.

“That is not how I looked,” said Dev.

“You want to bet on that?” Thisbe challenged. “You looked exactly like that. You were being controlled.”

“I don’t remember any of it. Did I do anything . . . horrible?”

“You . . . you spit fire at Seth and burned him.”

“What?” Dev exclaimed. “Is he okay?”

“Shh!” said Thisbe. “He’s fine. Pay attention and do what I told you. You look totally shocked right now.”

“Stop telling me shocking things, then.” Dev struggled to compose himself. He worked his facial muscles again until he relaxed, then crossed his eyes and focused on a random spot on the wall, letting the edges blur.

“That’s pretty good,” Thisbe said. “Keep practicing. Try to do it while you stir your broth.”

“Ugh,” said Dev, looking at the cauldron. “Have we been drinking this? Look at my arms—they’re covered in scales!”

“Focus,” Thisbe said in a low voice. “I hear footsteps. If they ask you to do anything, just go along with it.”

“Help us all,” Dev muttered. He froze, then, with his back to the doorway, went through the method Thisbe had given him. A minute later a soldier came in.

“Did Rohan collect broth from you to pass out to the others?” she asked.

“Yes, soldier,” said Thisbe. Dev echoed her.

“Good.” She peeked into their pots and wrinkled her nose. “Dev,” she said, “the Revinir just sent word that she needs you tonight. She’s trying to find the king’s personal treasures in the castle, and you’re the only one who knows where everything is. Finish up here and go up the elevator—she’s sending a dragon to take you. She’s in a hurry to find them.”

Thisbe nearly choked. This wasn’t part of her plan.

Dev nearly choked too. After he hesitated a second too long, the soldier peered at him.

“Did you hear me?” she said.

“Yes, soldier,” said Dev, his voice squeaking.

The woman narrowed her eyes and studied him. As he stirred, he tried to keep his gaze set on the wall. After a moment she shrugged, then turned and left the room.

When her footsteps faded, Dev slumped over the counter. His face was gray. “Now what?”

Thisbe was thinking frantically. If Dev didn’t go soon, the dragon would report it, and the Revinir would find out much sooner than if Prindi didn’t show up tomorrow.

“Thisbe!” whispered Dev.

“Quiet. I’m thinking!”

“She’ll figure it out if I go! I can’t do this fake thing like you can. I’m miserable at it.”