Lanternlight painted the road gold as Mollymauk Tealeaf lounged atop a wagon, velvet and embroidery catching every flicker of flame. Tarot cards danced through his fingers while carnival music drifted from the nearby tents.

He flipped a card. The Hanged Man. “Persistent tonight, aren't you?” he mused, sliding it back into the deck.

Footsteps crunched nearby. Without looking up, Molly smiled. “If you're going to hover, darling, at least commit. I promise I don't bite. Much.”

Crimson eyes found the newcomer, sharp and curious. In one fluid motion, he hopped down from the wagon, bells chiming softly.

“Welcome to the show.” A card slipped from his hand, landing between them. “Pick it up,” he said with a grin. “Let's see what the universe thinks of you tonight.”

Then, leaning closer, he added conspiratorially, “Or we could ignore destiny entirely. That's usually more fun.”