Showtime

"Ah ah ah, my dear. I'm afraid you can't take that." Lunaira's slender arms covered in silver grabbed the little audience member before she could pluck a single petal. The girl squealed as she was lifted high into the air.

Bright green innocence gleamed into amused dark purple. Both were wrapped in shadow, cloaking the pair from the now anxious adults that were frozen in place.

Lunaira's blue painted lips curled upwards as she addressed the group. Stepping closer to them, illuminated by the low floating torch light, she was able to see her audience just as well as they saw her.

"Imimi!" All eyes were on her. With a swift motion, the child, Imimi, was held in one arm while the other was extended in front of them. Lunaira's palm was flat when she twisted her fingers in a graceful swirl.

The flowers that guided their way lifted into the air, circling around the performer and girl. There, they were able to see the albino magician from head to toe.

She received lingering stares for her hair and eyes, but no malicious glint was to be found in any glances sent her way. The worst to be seen was from the mother and father of the young girl.

Of course their reactions were normal considering the situation. A stranger suddenly plucking their child away right under their nose? She'd be terrified as well. However, she didn't take the girl to give them a panic attack. Lunaira cleared her throat.

"As beautiful as they are, we do need these precious blooms so all guests can make their way safely around. Plus, poor Dante worked hard to grow them. So, I do ask that they be left be. There were signs outside stating this as well."

Her voice was slightly deep, loud, and proud as she took in the small group. A contrast to her soft, mystifying appearance. She paid special attention to the parents.

Watching calmly as their mouths were trembling. Shaking, desperate hands reached for their child alongside sensations of fear coursed through the magician while they took tiny stiff steps forward.

"Our apologies. She meant no harm."

"We'll be extra careful." Honestly, the fact that she intimidated them to such a timid, docile state would not do. Lunaira laughed merrily, waving away their concerns.

Precious Imimi was released without issue, allowing the two in front of Lunaira to relax their expressions, relieved. She scratched the back of her head with a sigh, ruffling some loose strands.

Their reaction was understandable, but there was no need to fear her. Then again, she always seemed to bring forth the worst of reactions. Still she kept her smile.

"It's quite alright. This little dear won't be the last flower snatcher I catch." There was never any intention of doing them any harm. So Lunaira, still wrapped in those ratty black clothes from this morning, bowed towards them. Her silver intertwined tattoos glowed slightly on tanned arms.

"Now I do ask that you take your seats but fret not. For there will be surprises for all during the show. I look forward to seeing you all while on stage. Ta ta!" With a single snap of her fingers, she was gone.

About thirty feet above on a little wooden platform surrounded by tightropes was the disappearing circus member. Grinning as she took a seat on her temporary spot. Even with the far distance she could both see and hear the conversation between the little family she left behind.

The flowers that danced for her were back in their previous positions exactly, as if they were never messed with in the first place. She noted that the small human girl was ecstatic despite the albino's terrifying little stunt.

All in all she was fine, happily gripping her mother's skirt. Lunaira saw the way her eyes searched for her while tugging the hem slightly. Her shrieks thankfully were now joyful.

"Mommy, mommy she's got magic! Did you see!?"

"I did!"

Her feet dangled in the open air, content to watch that particular crowd stand around for a few additional minutes before heeding her advice to sit. It wasn't too often she had to enforce the rule, but Lunaira was glad it overall worked out.

She pushed her head back, humming when she felt familiar fingers flutter within her hair. The temptation to close her eyes was strong but there was a lingering aura floating around.

It bounced in all manner of directions, making it impossible to pinpoint. Regardless of where it moved, she could sense the malice, the frenzy-need that came from it that left her uneasy.

"Are you ready for the show, Lu?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. It'll be up to you, Dusty, and Marrow to manage things later." His appendages embedded in her white locks twisted, gently scraping short nails in soothing motions atop her scalp.

It made Lunaira appreciate the steady presence behind her. She was glad Kail was doing better compared to the last few nights. His pale complexion was finally gone in addition to his fever.

It was the only reason that prevented her from lecturing the hell out of him. Especially since she understood the foolish worrywart behind her shouldn't be using his magic.

Those gliding fingers pressed a tad harder, encouraging Lunaira to tilt her head up, meeting Kail's worried expression. There were no doubts that he felt the unsettling aura as well.

She offered him a smile, raising her arms up over her shoulders in a stretch after he joined her on the wooden plank. His feet playfully smacked hers.

Suddenly she glanced over her shoulder, detecting someone watching them. It didn't feel hostile, in fact, Lunaira could tell instantly who was only a few feet away.

The newcomer's arrival was peculiar to say the least, but she left it be for now, her attention back on Kail. Who, while she was distracted, was glaring at the darkness ahead of them.

His eyes were trying and more than likely failing, to follow the trail. A sign that didn't bode well. Angry, pursed lips deepened before he turned to her.

"Do you think it'll be a problem?"

"Something seems off here. One Supernatural causing so much trouble in such a short span of time with no additional transformations? It's certainly going to give me a run for my money."

Immediately she grasped his hand, already seeing his expression darken from her words. His cold palm was rigid against hers, though loosened the moment she tried to intertwine their digits together.

Without any resistance she lifted it up in between their faces. This wasn't their first show, so the feelings they had, the danger they faced, it was familiar. He knew it too, which was why she waited until his face smoothed a bit before she continued.

"It's nothing I can't handle. Don't worry about me."

"Worrying comes with the territory, Lu. I just wish I could do more."

"What you do is already more than enough." She could tell with his silence that he disagreed with her reassurance. An ongoing dispute that she felt would never end. Even as a child, he always hated how he couldn't do more. That he lacked the health to be more.

Honestly, she thought he was being far too hard on himself. What happened to him all those years ago wasn't his fault. He shouldn't have to feel insignificant due to a tampered immune system. She had told Kail, repeatedly, that he didn't need to be immortal to be reliable.

His role in the circus or her life wasn't based on how much he thought he was worth. The talents and importance of the fool next to her lay elsewhere. Especially when it came to the dangerous aspects that came with their lives.

There was a reason she was the one in charge, why she took the leading charge when danger was at their door flap. She was the first (and hopefully) only needed line of defense. It was her responsibility to keep things situated, they both knew it was better that way.

Even if he sighed, unable to admit that it was a good thing he was stuck to the sidelines when trouble came their way. She gave his hand a squeeze with a teasing smile.

"It'll be up to you to keep the audience safe while I confront it. I'll be entrusting you to clean up my mess."

"Your confidence knows no bounds. Be careful."

"A tad too early to be doing your rounds, don't you think? You just got up here."

"Don't pretend that ominous buzz in the air doesn't exist, Lu. It's putting me on edge. I'd rather check the wards and make sure everyone is in the tent before the show starts."

"Fair enough. Marrow wants to speak with me, anyways. Knowing her, the girl probably won't reveal herself until you leave."

"I'll have to double my efforts before I'm replaced then."

He squeezed back, knocking his head gently against hers. Thankfully, there was a grin on his face just as he vanished. Lunaira huffed, ignoring the cold sensation left in his absence when she peered down. Her mouth twisted watching him relight the lanterns with his powers.