“Second order of business,” Papa continued in a gruff voice. “You will obviously be working with Phelan every day as his partner. How do you plan to move to and from his house and here, without him discovering where you live? If he sees me or Imonie . . . your cover will be blown.”

“Yes, and I have a plan,” I replied. I knew he wouldn’t like it, so I merely smiled, but I realized my dimples were gone, the dimples that he loved, and Papa only scowled at me.

“Explain the plan.”

“It may take me a few days, but I’m hoping Phelan will give me a room.”

“At his house?” Papa demanded.

“Yes.”

“I don’t like this, Clem. Not one bit.”

“I know, but I’m a magician, Papa. You have taught me the best avertana has to offer, and I have faced many types of danger, and this . . . this is not something you should be worried about. It’s bad luck to harm a guest beneath your roof, remember? And besides, it will give me an opportunity to drain his resources.”

“Where is this coming from, Clem? Draining resources? This isn’t like you.”

He didn’t know I had given half my heart away, and perhaps I would have felt shame in the past over his disappointment. But not now. I remained quiet, waiting for his acceptance.

He sighed. But when he looked at me again, I saw that I had won this argument, and he reluctantly nodded.

“You will cast a protective charm on your bedroom door every night?”

“Yes,” I said, thinking I still had to somehow convince Phelan to even offer me a room.

“And the windows?”

“Yes, the windows as well. Don’t worry, Papa.”

“I will worry every moment that you’re gone,” he said, and I felt that terrible ache in my stone heart again. I had to glance away from him and how destitute he appeared. I played with a thread of my quilt until I felt composed.

“Is that all, Papa?”

“No. Once he gives you a room, you’re going to tell Phelan that you will have every Monday night off, new moon permitting, and you are going to use your stealth charm to check in with me here. We’ll have family dinner together so your mother, Imonie, and I don’t worry ourselves to death.”

“I can do that,” I said.