She rises, the mask and the act falling away, and she strides toward him in a flurry of black lace and ribbon. So far, there have been no problems, but she hadn't given the play-acting bit enough thought. Goblins are foolish and easily frightened, that's a relief, but she can't be entirely sure that her time with Rosie and Charlie has gone unnoticed.

Seeing Nick here, though, is a different sort of relief, and she moves into his arms, letting herself drag in deep breaths, as if coming up from underwater.

"Nick," she whispers, just to have something on her tongue besides worry or cruelty.