SABINE
It’s a dark night, with only a waning moon hanging low in the sky. I’d be weak even if my magic weren’t blocked. The rich floral fragrance of the evening has faded as the air has grown cooler, now replaced with the smell of the storm that’s moving from the west. A flash of light illuminates the clouds in the distance, partially obscured by the bank tower.
I stand outside the public coach house, frowning at the schedule pinned to the door in the dim light of a nearby streetlamp. The coach won’t depart until nine tomorrow morning. Alex will surely find me before then. And besides, I can’t stay here all night. The windows are dark, and there’s no sign of anyone inside.
Uneasy, I glance at a man sleeping on the bench outside the building. Normally, I would have nothing to fear in Davon, but now…
I strain against the ring’s block, trying to break it with sheer will alone. But it doesn’t budge. Fear feathers in my chest, making it hard to breathe. But I won’t panic, not yet.
Brahm will know how to nullify the spell; I’m sure of it. He tinkered with magic when we were young, enchanting things for the joy of it. I just need to get home so he can help me.
Wincing, I imagine how angry he’ll be when I admit I let myself fall into a trap.
“You look bereft, miss,” a man says as he joins me by the door, studying the schedule. He then turns to face me. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” I say, wary even though he looks nice enough. His clothing is tidy, and he’s clean-shaven. “I had hoped to catch an evening carriage, but it seems I’ll have to come back in the morning.”
I can’t shield my identity with my magic, but the night should do a decent job masking it as long as my hair is down. Still, it makes me feel exposed and vulnerable.
“There’s another depot on Carnation Street,” he says thoughtfully. “It’s near several physicians’ clinics and the infirmary, so they often have coaches running throughout the night.”
I think about it for a moment. “Do you think I might be able to find one headed to Thornborough?”
“It’s possible.” His frown deepens. “But I wouldn’t suggest walking through the city alone, miss. You never know who might be out and about this time of night.”
The man is right, but I’m desperate. I won’t stay in Davon until morning, not if I can help it.
“Which way is Carnation Street?” I ask.
Reluctantly, he says, “It’s toward the southern end of the city.”
“Thank you for your help.” I tug my trunk, which is far heavier now that I don’t have magic to assist me.
Concern lines his face, and he glances at the man on the bench. He’s awake now, watching us. “Shall I walk with you?”
“I don’t wish to trouble you…”
The man looks down the shadowed street. “It’s no trouble, and it’s easy to lose your way in the city after dark.”
I study him, finding nothing about him that looks less than respectable. Common sense tells me it’s not wise to trust a stranger, but what choice do I have?
“Very well,” I finally say. “I would be grateful for your company.”
He tips his hat with a smile. “I’m Elgin Donfellow.”
“I’m Sabine.” I nod gratefully when he gestures toward my trunk, asking permission to haul it for me.
Feeling eyes on me as we begin down the street, I glance back over my shoulder. The man on the bench stares at us as we walk away, and a shiver runs down my spine.
Thankful for Elgin’s assistance, I smile up at him. “What trade or business are you involved in, sir?”
He glances at me, laughing to himself. “Just a little of this and that.”