Lena has always liked unusual things. Maybe that's why, when the colourful posters announcing the Illuminated Illusions Circus appeared in town, she couldn't stop thinking about it. The posters enticed with the promise of phenomenal shows, magic that permeates everyday life, and circus performers that had already been whispered about at school. Everyone wanted to go there. Lena - by far the most. The show was to take place in the middle of summer, in a huge clearing behind the forest. In the evening, just after sunset, the town lit up with a riot of colours - red lanterns floated over the clearing and wagons with yellow and green walls were set up all around. Laughter and practising artists could be heard. People were coming down by bicycle, some even from neighbouring villages. Lena came with her brother Matthew - reluctantly, but after all, she couldn't go alone. Already at the entrance she felt a strange shiver. In addition to the bustle of the crowd, she could hear the quiet sounds of music, as if a gentle echo was coming from somewhere behind the colourful tent. Circus performers strolled among the people - some on stilts, some tossing sparkling balls into the air, and others... they looked as if they were here, but at the same time somewhere far away, like figures cut out of the mist. Lena was the first to notice that not all the artists looked excited. Some had their eyes dimmed and their movements stiff. When she glanced at the camouflaged juggler, he looked away and almost immediately disappeared into the crowd. Something here was different from the usual circus. The main tent appeared huge. Everything shone: the velvet curtains, the glittering stage, the golden ornaments on the arena. The first performance began with a troupe of acrobats - their jumps seemed improbable, as if gravity did not concern them at all. Then the master of illusion, Nicolas, entered the arena, who instead of rabbits, pulled images whirling in the air from his hat, transforming into birds and flames. At one point, Lena felt a slight poke. It was Kasia - her classmate. "Come on, I'll show you something!" - she whispered. They walked stealthily out of the tent, heading behind the prop box. There, in the shadows, Kasia pointed to a small passage between the wagons. "I've seen someone creeping in there since yesterday. Always after shows. Do you think it's part of the show?" Suddenly, a quiet whisper came from behind the nearest carriage. Lena froze. Was someone watching them? The night mist began to thicken, and more unusual noises were coming from inside the circus. Lena felt her heart beating faster. She felt like she had just taken the first step towards something that would change her holiday forever. Suddenly, the lights in the arena dimmed and a loud, unnatural laugh rang out. The girls looked at each other anxiously. Should they return to the audience or follow the mysterious shadow...?