“Hurry up, we’re going to be late!” Harper extended a hand, helping Viola Reddington into the horse-drawn carriage.

  “If you want to be on time, why don’t we ride one of those?” Viola pointed to Techa’s steam-powered motorbike, an engineering marvel that aroused envy and awe across Cape Lumous.

  “Are you crazy? I saw them race the other day; it’s incredibly dangerous. Besides, she wouldn’t be too pleased if we just took it.”

  Viola didn’t reply. Her philosophy in life was simple: if you want something, take it. It was a far shorter path than waiting for it to be given. “Where exactly are we going?” she questioned, as they passed the street that would have led them to the grand theater in the city center, nestled beside the library.

  “I told you,” Harper sighed, “we’re playing a private show for one of the Noble families.”

  “Hey, us Reddingtons are a noble family,” Viola retorted, a flash of pride in her voice.

  “Sorry,” Harper corrected, “I meant a rich noble family. One from the North, you know, one that’s actually able to pay us.”

  Viola rolled her eyes. She wouldn’t waste energy on an argument. Just because the Reddingtons hailed from the West didn’t diminish their worth compared to the Northerners.

  “We’re here.” The coachwoman announced as the carriage drew to a halt.

  “Thanks, Serena, do you mind giving us a hand with our instruments?” Harper gestured to their heavy cases.

  “Um, Harper, why are we at the old Fort?” Viola questioned, her brow furrowed.

  “Valery Snowdrift is hosting a small birthday party for her sister, Elysia, and we are the entertainment.”

  “I thought after the Great Calamity, we did away with celebrating birthdays?” Viola mused aloud.

  Serena helped carry their instruments to the Fort’s imposing entrance, where guards took the bags and led Harper and Viola to a stage set up in the center of the inner bailey. Viola surveyed the ancient defensive structure. It had been the first building constructed in Cape Lumous, back when it was a vibrant trading hub. Now, it split the city in two. On the other other side lay the arena, the bustling market, and the opulent housing for the elite. The Fort itself provided barracks for the city’s Defense and Attack Forces and served as its command center. The setting was undeniably impressive, but Viola’s keen ear immediately registered the terrible acoustics. The hard, dense, and irregularly shaped stone surfaces would create excessive, uncontrolled reverberation, blurring the distinct, delicate sounds of their instruments into an unintelligible wash.

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  On the stage, Valery and Elysia Snowdrift stood, engaged in conversation. Viola’s acute hearing allowed her to pick up their words even before they drew close.

  “But what about loyalty, Elysia? Isn’t Elodie your closest friend?” Valery’s voice was tinged with concern.

  Elysia’s reply was cool, pragmatic. “I’m only loyal to gold, my dear Val. If the Tanzanights can offer a better return, then the Petalcrests will have to make do without our funding. It’s nothing personal.”

  Valery was about to respond when she noticed the musicians approaching. “So glad you two could make it. Please let me know if you need anything.” Valery welcomed Harper and Viola onto the stage. Harper immediately began setting up her harp, while Viola attached her shoulder rest and applied rosin to her bow.

  “That’s a beautiful harp you have there.” Elysia approached, inspecting the instrument with an appraising eye. “How much did it cost?”

  Harper blushed, stammering for a reply.

  “She inherited it from her mother,” Viola answered smoothly, accustomed to speaking for her shy friend amongst the noble sisters. Viola still didn’t understand why the sisterless were so intimidated by them.

  “Well, let me know if you ever want to sell it.” Elysia smiled, then turned her attention to Viola. “Good to see you again. Put on a good show, and if I’m impressed, I’ll make sure you’re a regular at the theater. That’s your dream, isn’t it?”

  Viola’s dreams were far grander than simply being a regular performer. She yearned to be a star, but that was rather difficult when your home city was quarantined from the rest of the world. “Making us regulars at the theater is a good idea if you want the tickets to sell out every night.” Viola winked at Elysia, a playful challenge in her eyes. Harper, beside her, was stunned by Viola’s easy familiarity with the richest woman in the city.

  “Ah, look, my other sister and our final guest have arrived.” Elysia gestured towards the entrance. “You two can start playing when you’re ready. Excuse me.” Elysia, short of stature, struggled briefly to descend the stage steps but soon walked elegantly towards Ravonna Snowdrift and their other guest. Viola did a double-take. What was Aziza Tanzanight doing here? Was she the only other guest? What kind of birthday party was this?

  Harper began tuning her harp, its gentle plucking notes a discordant counterpoint to the distant conversation Viola now overheard between Aziza and the Snowdrifts. “So delighted to be invited here on your special day. You know, this is my first time inside the Fort,” Aziza said, looking around in genuine amazement.

  “No, thank you for coming, Aziza. We know it’s a long way from the mines,” Valery replied, her tone warm.

  “Oh, and before I forget, I brought you a birthday present.” Aziza handed Elysia a parcel, which she hastily unwrapped. Viola tapped Harper, drawing her attention to the unfolding scene. Both musicians watched as Elysia revealed her birthday gift. It glistened, catching the sunlight, pulsing with a faint, otherworldly glow.

  Harper didn’t look too impressed as she whispered to Viola: “What’s so special about a purple rock?”