Chapter 2The next morning brought a surprise with it.
Niki was in the big top with his clown troupe, along with most of the show’s cast. They were doing tech which meant a cue check rehearsal: trying out lights and music for the show. No one was in full costume or make-up, but instead a mishmash of casual clothes, sportswear, with certain props or costume parts. Niki was in old comfy jeans and a T-shirt, a baggy silk clown shirt over the top, and his bowler hat.
Danuil was walking around the ring on his stilts while two younger girls performed a balancing act on the tight-rope. Mihail and Mira were waiting on the trapeze above, and when the cue came for the acts to change over everyone moved into action.
Mira swung in on her trapeze as another girl jumped off the tight-rope, caught on t
