His voice lowered and took on a wistful tone, and he flicked his wrist. The silver ribbon again raised effortlessly into the air. This time, it did not fold itself into a star but arced up, flowing into the outline of an arched neck, a pricked ear, and a spiral horn. The ribbon whipped along faster and faster, tracing the outline of a silver unicorn onto the air.

“Which is why,” the director said with a final flick, and the unicorn neatly folded itself up, “you must concentrate! You are the ones selected to perform for Her Majesty’s coronation. When the queen sees you dance, she will select the best of you to join her court. And if you’re chosen, you will bear witness to one of the greatest days in Arden’s history: the return of the unicorns.”

His words sent a trill of excitement flapping around the room. Dancers lifted their heads, smoothed out their costumes, and set their jaws as they all prepared to rehearse again, for such an opportunity, for such an honor.

“And we have mere hours to whip you into shape!” the director shouted, his voice snapping everyone into position. The silver ribbon fell down into his palm. “We only have three sunsets until Starfell, so I advise you to take position again and remember, for all that’s spun and silken, don’t forget to keep your toes pointed!”

As the dancers hustled into their places, it felt as though one of their ribbons had cut itself loose, only to wrap around Claire’s ribs.

Three days. Three days to gather each of the four guilds’ tines, reforge the circle, crown Nadia, and then, after all that, defeat the queen … and save Sophie.

It seemed impossible.

It was impossible.

But Arden was a land built on the impossible, and it could hold at least one more. Maybe. Probably. Hopefully.

“Lyric,” Claire whispered. “Can you take me to the Love Knot Tine now?”

Lyric nodded, but she looked longingly at the stage. “It’s just out these doors, in the lobby.”

“The lobby?” Claire was surprised. Lobbies usually made her think of movie theaters, where on special occasions Dad would stand in line to get a small bag of popcorn for the family to share. Those places were usually a bit sticky from spilled soda drinks and dropped candies. She couldn’t imagine a crown’s point being stored someplace like that. But then again, she hadn’t expected it to be in a theater, either.

“Yeah.” Lyric nodded. Keeping her voice low, she quickly explained, “After the Guild Treaty, the Spinner grandmaster in charge of Needle Pointe decided to display the Love Knot Tine in the most public place possible: the Historium’s lobby. That way, we are all responsible for its safekeeping. The more eyes on it, the better!”

“Right,” Claire said, keeping her voice light even though it felt like her body was sinking into the ground.