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"When?" Caelen asks.

"Two weeks ago." Before the Council arrived. Before the disappearances became public knowledge.

Rhyven goes very still. "Who took it?"

"Nobody." She smiles without humor. "I said they attempted." I like this woman enormously.

"Can we see it?" Nyra asks.

Mistress Marr looks toward the clock. "No." Nyra opens her mouth. "Tomorrow." She closes it. "Fine."

Outside, the village is louder. People everywhere.

Lunch crowds. Children. Music coming from somewhere near the square. Someone has opened the fountain gates fully. Water catches the sunlight. For a moment, I just stand there. The world looks beautiful. That's almost offensive. Cassian exhales.

"I need alcohol."

"No." Caelen says.

"I didn't ask."

"Still no."

"Your commitment to ruining my life is inspiring."

We start toward the Academy. Nyra holds the copied pages against her chest. Caelen walks beside her.

Cassian has gone strangely quiet. Rhyven takes the outside position again. A little girl runs past us carrying a paper bird. Her father calls after her.

She laughs. Across the square, someone is hanging a sign. FRIDAY MUSIC RETURNS. People clap. I look away.

"Don't." Rhyven says quietly.

I glance toward him. "What?"

"Do that."

"Do what."

"Look at them like they're wrong for being happy."

I stare at him. "I wasn't."

"You were." Annoying man.

"They don't know." I say.

"No."

"They think it's ending."

"Maybe."

I look at him. "You don't believe that."

"No."

"Neither do I."