I watched, mouth ajar in horror, as the magicians nodded and began to take the northern road, up to the troll’s mansion. I had every intention to go directly home and avoid crossing paths with them. I had every intention to mind my own business and leave the strangers to their fate.

In fact, I made it halfway home before I stopped at the crossroads.

But I turned north and took a side street, rushing over the cobbles, cutting through a neighbor’s garden, jumping a low rock fence, to catch the men before they became Mazarine’s next unexpected meal. If I hadn’t known what she truly was, I wouldn’t have chased after them. Or so I told myself as I hurried to meet them on the road. They were almost at her gate. And I had a moment of hesitation, a moment of doubt. . . .

“The magician you seek doesn’t live here,” I announced.

My voice startled them.

The blond actually made a noise and jumped, to my immense satisfaction, but the dark-headed one only widened his eyes at the sight of me emerging from the dusk.

“Of course the magician lives here,” the blond said with a sweep of his hand. He glanced back to the manor. “This is the finest house in town.”

“The magician doesn’t live here,” I said again, sharper. “And I must say it’s a terrible night to arrive, gentlemen.”

The dark-headed one studied me with hooded eyes. I sensed he was not at all impressed until his gaze drifted to the book of nightmares I held. He saw the flame within me, then, although the dusk made it difficult to measure my lack of shadow. But he said nothing, only brought his gaze back to mine.

The blond, however, was belligerent. His pride was bruised from being turned away and snubbed by every single resident of Hereswith. “We know which night we arrive, miss. And you are not the town magician.”

He meant it as an insult. I only smiled.

“Indeed not. That would be my father.”

The magicians exchanged a careful glance.

“Then you must be Clementine Madigan,” said the dark-headed one.

I had to swallow the shock of that—to hear my name flow from a strange magician’s mouth. I hoped that I didn’t flinch, that my smile didn’t falter. “I am. And you’re both lucky that I’ve chosen to aid you this night, despite the fact that you’ve arrived unannounced. Come, you can sup with my father and me, and we’ll put you up for the night, since the new moon is rising and you need to be off the streets.”

I turned and began to walk home, listening as the magicians scrambled to follow me.