The play ends with no help from my “friends,” Merigold folding me so neatly into the evening’s script that she must have been forewarned of our attendance.

Thankfully my landing appears prepared, my graceful roll – all muscle memory – bringing me up beside Merigold. She beams, unsurprised

The show begins with a flash of blinding light as Merigold ascends the stage. She’s a vision, her presence commanding a level of attention I usually reserve for assassins and accountants.

An electric chill enters the air, both energizing and dreadful. Rach spins but doesn’t pull her sword. “Rachalynn.” The voice is as seductive as a warm chocolate brownie.

Hours later, we're sitting in a balcony box dressed in our best. Rach stands by the velvet drapes, dressed in black silk, her hands clamped on the railing.

We all move at once, knives, lightning, and magic projectiles exploding outward, seeking targets. I’m laser-focused on Erd’s furious face

The nun slams the tip of her sword into the tiled floor, pale lightning weakly crackling away from it to either side. “Akheron! You are hereby charged with public indecency in five realms!”

Shock is my first reaction, followed by a rush of weightless glee. “Damn it, Felicia!” Rach grabs my elbow.