Topaz flinched, not at Ruby's suggestion but at the expression on her face when the other shoe dropped.

"That's perfect," she said, before Ruby could backtrack or apologize. Topaz was too practical to be distracted by morbid symbolism, particularly when there was work to be done. "I'll get started on magically reinforcing the sides. Just in case." She was still hoping that the quarantine resolved itself before it mattered, but she wasn't going to put off what needed to be done on a vague hope. She intended to be prepared for the worst, which meant she didn't have a second to lose. Without waiting for any further comment from her twin, Topaz picked up her wand and headed out of the room to start preparations.

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