“Right on,” Florence replied.

Frieda noticed them coming. She froze for a microsecond, then smiled demurely. “Look who it is!” she said. “Has Quill heard about my success already?” She laughed and tried to appear modest. “Word spreads so fast.”

Others turned and seemed pleased to see Claire. They knew her, had been taught by her, and trusted her—Mr. Today’s daughter was the next best thing to the original mage himself. They parted, making a path to Frieda. The Aaron supporters stopped chanting for his return and watched what was happening, looking a bit hopeful to see the woman. Everyone loved Claire Morning. Perhaps she was the solution to all of the unrest in Artimé.

“Hello, everybody,” said Claire. “It’s so good to see you all again, though I’m sad about the circumstances. And I’m surprised and troubled by the way people have been acting around here. That doesn’t seem quite like us, does it?”

A few of the dissenters looked down sheepishly. Others’ faces hardened slightly, as if they didn’t really need or want a lecture.

“I’ve banished the Revinir,” said Frieda. “Did you hear?”

“I heard she retreated,” said Claire. “That’s wonderful news for our island.”

“She must have learned of my takeover,” said Frieda.

The protesters who supported Aaron’s return murmured angrily.

Claire tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. “Really? You think that’s what did it?”

Frieda’s smile didn’t crack. “I’m certain of it,” she said coolly.

Florence stepped in. “I’m sure you are all delighted to see our wonderful Claire Morning back in Artimé. And we have some exciting news. Remember when you all wanted Claire to take over as head mage?”

Several people from both groups gasped excitedly in anticipation.

“Well,” Florence continued, “Claire has agreed to step in and take over. Isn’t that wonderful?”

More than half the people gathered outside cheered. Others talked excitedly. And others seemed hesitant but positive. Claire grinned and nodded. “It’s true,” she said.

Frieda’s expression was far from positive.

“Is this what you all would like?” asked Florence in her most encouraging voice.

“Yes!” shouted a large contingent. “Claire Morning! Head mage!” shouted one, and then others chimed in. The two opposing groups began to merge, unifying over what seemed like the perfect fit. The ones who loved Aaron were just as happy with Claire, and the ones who supported Frieda had been desperate to have Claire lead them from the time she was trying to restore the world after Alex’s death. It was a perfect solution.

Claire put her hands in the air, laughing and trying to quiet them so she could speak. “Okay, okay,” she said. “What has to happen here to make it official?”