SUSAN LAUGHS TOO, WHEN Grace tells her—possibly because the story comes complete with a re-enactment starring Grace in every role, including an improbable inner monologue by the head trainer, Rocky. Who also happens to be her aunt, as well as one of the Council of Nine, captain of the guard, and the one who flunked her out of training in the first place.
I turn my back on the both of them and twist wet strips of tree until my fingers bleed. I can’t afford to waste another second.
Step one: master basic skills—like, immediately. Step two: secretly learn everything else there is to know about dreamwalking. Step three: beat whoever I have to into the dust while stupid-face Rocky weeps into the dirt.
All in service of regaining my magic and saving my city, of course.
By the time the story
