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The library door opens before I can say anything else.

Irina walks in.

She wears her usual pleasant expression, the soft, polished smile that never reaches her eyes unless Nikolai is looking at her. Today she is in a cream dress, pearl earrings, and perfume so expensive it probably has a waiting list.

“Anya, darling,” she says. “There you are.”

Anya rolls her eyes. It’s quick. Tiny. Barely there. But I see it.

And because I’m in a terrible mood, it nearly makes me smile.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who has started noticing the pattern.

Irina’s gaze moves to me. “Elara.”

“Irina.” Her smile tightens at the sound of her first name, which is petty of me, but I am currently surviving on caffeine and spite. She steps farther into the room. “I was looking for Nikolai. Do you know if he’s busy?”

Anya looks at me. I look at Anya. Then I look back at Irina. And just like that, a truly terrible idea slides into my head.

It’s not a particularly well-formed idea.

But it’s there, bright and wicked and far too tempting.

I smile. After all she’s the only person around here I’ve seen move in and out of the estate as she pleases.

Anya’s eyes narrow slightly. She knows something has changed. Clever little thing.

“I think he’s working,” I say.

Irina sighs softly, as though Nikolai working is a personal tragedy that has happened specifically to her. “He always is.”

“Yes,” I say. “It must be very frustrating.”

Anya watches me with growing interest.

Irina glances toward the door. “I thought perhaps I could persuade him to take a short break. He has been under so much stress lately.”

“That’s thoughtful.”

“I know him well,” she says.

There it is. The claim, delivered with a smile.

Normally, I would let it pass. Today, unfortunately for Irina, I’ve just been reminded that I’m not Anya’s parent, not family, and apparently not allowed to have an opinion about anything that matters.

Which means I may as well be useful in a different way.

“Actually,” I say, setting my pencil down, “you might be the perfect person to help us.”

Irina pauses. “Help with what?”

Anya sits up straighter. I give her the tiniest glance.

Trust me.

Her eyes widen a little.

I turn back to Irina. “Lily’s birthday party is today.”