Chapter 9

Outside the motor, Willie and Alex confront Gabriel Glass for leaving without protection. Detective Inspector Bailey—“Cyclops”—arrives, easing tensions but warning a journalist watches Gabe’s house. Gabe insists on remaining on the case, and Cyclops agrees to tighten Burlington House security while Gabe arranges for sculptor-magician Freddie Duckworth to examine the suspect seascape for magic. Alex rides with Gabe to the Yard.

As Sylvia heads to Crooked Lane, Willie threatens her to stay away from Gabe, but Cyclops reins Willie in and apologizes. He reveals he actually came to question Sylvia about the kidnapping. In private, Sylvia discloses that a gunman in the thieves’ car forced Gabe to release an attacker—details Gabe and Alex had downplayed. Cyclops attributes their secrecy to overprotectiveness toward Gabe after four years at war.

Sylvia returns to the Glass Library, where Daisy has charmed Professor Nash. After discussing the investigation, Daisy shifts to Sylvia’s heritage, urging renewed research into silver magic despite a lack of records at the Silversmiths’ Guild. They consult Professor Nash, who confirms references to silver magic exist but few names.

Prompted, Professor Nash recalls that India Glass once met a silver magician named Marianne around the 1891 riots and suggests asking Cyclops or Willie, who were close to India and Matt then. Sylvia privately resolves not to approach them, given earlier hostility. Daisy departs on errands.

Sylvia later returns to her lodging house. Opening her door, she finds someone already inside waiting, ending the chapter with an imminent threat.