She had made a correction in full view of everyone. This was forbidden. While she felt guilty defying Audrey, this wasn’t refashioning a wedding dress. In a second, with a focused command, she’d saved a woman’s life. Surely a little public magic was worth it to avert a disaster. While it had only been a few seconds, Lara knew the amount of skill that had been required to hold the woman in midair for even that small length of time, especially in a panic. Her abilities were increasing. She had little doubt that she could go back to the field now and pull the carousel through—and even re-create the tent—with little effort.

The performance continued with clowns, another trapeze act, three elephants, and finally the trick rider, Audrey’s favorite. The white steed came charging out outfitted with an elaborate headdress, the horse’s long, flowing mane whipping furiously as it rounded the arena. While Audrey had been an experienced horsewoman, Lara had never been encouraged to ride. As she’d gotten older, she’d learned it was because a fall could rupture the one remaining kidney she had.

Standing on the horse’s back, anticipating the rhythm of the animal’s gallop, was the equestrian, a red-haired girl dressed in a green leotard with spangles and fringe. She took in the audience with two full rotations around the tent before contorting herself into a backbend as the horse went around in a smaller circle. Then she performed a forward flip and launched herself from the animal’s back, landing in perfect unison as they traveled. Then, in one swift movement, she slid down and hung with one leg as the pony kept a sure and steady gallop. And then, as if it couldn’t get more daring, a second horse entered the ring and she flipped from one horse to the other, finally riding them out as though she were a gladiator heading home from victory in the ring—and that’s essentially what she was.

While her mother should have been exhilarated from the act, as the lights came up, Audrey appeared distracted. “What you did back there. It was risky.”

“I couldn’t let her die.”

Audrey didn’t answer.

“Mother?”

“I know,” said Audrey, finally, her voice tense. Lara saw her jaw tighten. “What you did took skill. You just reacted. It’s not like taking twenty minutes to pick a lock.”

Lara gave her a quizzical look.

“Of course I knew you were the reason why none of the locks in the house worked, Lara. Do you think my magic never came in? I fiddled with the stove and turned the gas on. Nearly blew up the house. At least you didn’t do that.”

“If I hadn’t helped her, you would have.”

Audrey didn’t answer her. She motioned toward the big top for emphasis. “That stunt back there means you’re getting stronger.”

“Stronger than what?”