“Look how the diamond pendant lights up your gorgeous eyes,” the saleswoman said, holding a mirror for Pazia to see her reflection. “Why the green just comes alive doesn’t it?”

Pazia beamed, getting sucked in. The diamonds were all mounted in jewelry. The woman slid a huge marquise-cut stone onto Pazia’s right index finger.

“The ring will highlight your elegant hands. No one will be able to stop staring at you.”

Before the saleswoman could put any more jewelry on Pazia, I bent to examine the ring.

“I don’t like this setting,” I said. “Do you have any loose stones?”

The woman glanced at the man behind the counter. He withdrew a tray full of diamonds of various sizes and shapes. I touched each one with a finger, but again every one was beautifully cut and polished glass, which caused me to wonder who manufactured them. Without the magic flash, I would have been hard-pressed to call these fakes.

“I don’t like any of them,” I said.

Pazia pouted with disappointment.

The woman ramped up her sales pitch, disagreeing with me. “Look at her.” She pointed to me. “You probably picked out your friend’s clothes only to have her ruin your efforts with that tacky cloak. You, my dear, are a ray of sunlight who deserves to be glowing with diamonds. Don’t let her jealousy stop you. People will always be jealous of you. If you have it—flaunt it!”

The saleswoman was skilled. She had pegged Pazia’s personality and would soon have a sale.

“It’s getting late,” I said. “Your mentor at the Keep will be concerned. Why don’t you think it over and we can come back tomorrow.”

“Excellent idea,” the woman said. “I just hope you get here before Councillor Jewelrose’s wife tomorrow. She’s been eyeing that ring, and her birthday is today. The Councillor is so sweet. He always gives her gold to buy her own presents. She’s my most loyal customer.” She tsked, removing the ring from Pazia’s finger. “But I’m sure I’ll be able to find you something…”

A worried crease formed on Pazia’s forehead. I pulled on her arm, guiding her to the door. I waved with my other hand. “Thanks for the offer.”

The door opened before we reached it. Two men entered. They blocked our way. Swords hung from weapon belts. Apprehension slid down my spine, lumping in my guts.

“Your friend isn’t ready to leave,” the man on the left said with a slight lisp. His bottom lip had been cut. Blood-soaked threads from the stitches protruded from the wound.

“Yes, she is.” I nudged Pazia with an elbow. “Her mentor is waiting for her. You don’t want to make us late. Her mentor has powerful friends.” Come on, Pazia, I thought, say something, do something.

Bloody Lip stepped closer. “I’m sure her mentor will understand about the…delay. Our girl spent so much time helping you, I’m sure you don’t want to be rude by rushing off. In fact, we have a whole other room filled with…surprises. Bex, why don’t you show this lady—” he stabbed a finger in my direction “—the back room while her friend completes her purchase.”

Bex reached for me. I dropped all pretenses and yanked my sais from my cloak. Ramming the weapons’ knobs into the man’s solar plexus, I shouted, “Pazia, help me.”

The man gasped, but recovered fast. They both pulled their swords. The saleswoman brandished a knife. I remained close to the men, deflecting their blades toward the ground. Pazia stood immobile.

“Fire,” I yelled.

Finally she moved. Small flames erupted on the men’s shirts. The woman squealed. Chaos manifested into four pairs of flailing limbs, swatting at the growing fire on their clothes. The motion reminded me of the flesh-eating beetles Tricky had used to attack me. Suppressing a shudder, I grabbed Pazia’s hand and hauled her from the room.

I didn’t let go of her until we reached the market. We paused to catch our breath and I put my sais away.

Pazia’s flushed cheeks and the wild glint in her eyes meant either fear or excitement.

Fisk appeared at our side. “What happened?”

“They tried to use strong-arm tactics.” I tucked a few loose strands of hair behind my ear.

“Not good. Did they have the required items?”

“No. Except for Bloody Lip and Bex, they were just like the rest.”

Fisk considered. “I’ll spread the word to my clients about the fake diamonds, but the seller who used the swordsmen will be out of business by tomorrow.”

“I thought you didn’t work with black market dealers.”

“I don’t. But I’ll make sure they know about Bloody Lip and Bex. The other dealers don’t want customers to be afraid to buy from the black market. It’s bad for business. I’ve no doubt when the others are aware of the situation, it will be taken care of in record time.”

I mulled over the implications and decided I wouldn’t be upset to know Bloody Lip and Bex were run out of town. My thoughts then turned to the lack of real diamonds.

“Do you think the rogue Moon Clan faction is funding their activities by selling these fake stones?” I asked Fisk.

“Must be. We’ve run out of dealers to contact.”

“They looked so real,” Pazia said. “I almost…” She sighed.

“Someone is manufacturing them. Should we try and trace them back to the source?” I wondered if I could produce such high-quality glass. It would be an interesting challenge.