On a summer night, as the town slept within its sun-warmed walls, Lena couldn't sleep. Ever since the mysterious posters had appeared on the notice poles, everyone in town had been talking about the upcoming circus. "Circus under the Stars - today only!" - proclaimed the colourful slogans. Glistening in the light of the lanterns, they tempted with the promise of something no one had ever seen before. Lena was no longer a child, and yet she felt as if this night was about to be the start of something new. After all, there were not just clowns or animal trainers at the circus. There were going to be light shows, acrobats balancing on a thin rope - and an illusionist that no one had ever seen before. Lena, fascinated by stories about the art of illusion, could not miss this opportunity. She entered the circus grounds just before midnight. Lights illuminated the colourful tents and the smell of candyfloss mingled with the smoke of fireworks. Amused groups of teenagers shuffled between booths, chatting in half-hearted voices. Lena avoided the crowd, looking for the less frequented paths. Behind the main tent, she spotted a boy who looked to be her equal. He had black hair tied up in a tight bun and silver earrings flashing in his ears. He stood alone by the back room, leaning against a crate full of props. Before Lena had time to think about what to say, he looked at her intently. - Are you here out of curiosity or do you really want to see something? - He asked, his voice quiet but clear. Lena hesitated. - I wanted to see the shows... and maybe learn something. The boy nodded, as if he expected this answer. - My name is Arthur. If you want to see a real circus... you have to go in where not everyone dares to look. She looked in the direction he was pointing - a small side tent, from a distance appearing completely empty. However, the flashing lights inside suggested that something was happening there. Lena felt a thrill of excitement. - Is this part of the show? - She asked. - 'You could say that,' smiled Arthur mysteriously. - But not everyone should see what's going to happen that night. Before Lena had time to reply, there was a deafening bang from inside the tent, and a shadow flashed through the open entrance....