“Then we try not to be seen. And if we’re seen, you shut up and let me bluff. Come on. We don’t want her to spot us when she comes out.”

Zaira tucked us into an alley across the street. I hoped my friend with the broken nose wasn’t similarly ensconced across from Ignazio’s town house; I’d already be late taking my elixir. If we stayed out much longer, I’d have to use my three-hours’-grace vial.

“After this, I need to get back to the town house,” I murmured to Zaira.

“We’ll lose her when we investigate the warehouse anyway.” She sighed. “I hope we don’t miss something good. But at least you have your confirmation she’s the Owl.”

Zaira kept her eyes locked on the door across the street. They sparkled with life and excitement, and color flushed her cheeks. She looked healthier than when I’d first met her—less painfully thin, though she’d never be anything but skinny—and her hair had a rich gloss to it.

It would be easy to tell myself I’d done the right thing, putting the jess on her. But she’d never had a choice.

“Thank you, by the way,” I said softly. “For helping me with this.”

She shrugged. “It’s more fun than sitting around some boring rich-people house all day.”

“Are you happy, then?”

She turned to face me, surprise arching her brows. “Happy? What kind of a question is that?”

“Well … I want you to be happy.” I hated the stiff awkwardness of my voice. But I held her eyes, willing her to see I meant it.

After a moment, a bemused laugh burst its way through her lips. “Only idiots and dogs are ever happy. But I’m enjoying myself.”

She returned to watching the door. I wasn’t sure what to say to that, so I watched with her.

When Lady Savony emerged, a frown of distaste was creasing her brow. She hurried off down the dusky street in the direction of the River Palace, shaking her head. We waited until she’d been gone for several minutes, then strolled over to the warehouse door.

Zaira eyed the lock. “Stand so you’re blocking me from view in case anyone comes down the street. If you do see someone, don’t jump around like an idiot. Just tell me quietly.”

She reached up and pulled pins out of her hair. They weren’t normal hairpins, but had hooks at the end. I positioned myself as best I could as she crouched down and got to work.

“Oh, this is easy. Ardence should have more pride.” In less than half a minute, Zaira stood, slipping the pins back into her hair.

“It’s unlocked?”