While he was perfectly happy to spike drinks at his own parties with potions that had unexpected bodily effects, Magnus would not do such a thing at Isabelle's party without invitation, and certainly not to Isabelle without her knowing. But alcohol was the best way he knew to take the edge off, to make things easier to fake. He had thought she might need a drink, and the way she promptly took a sip proved that in his mind.

"Of course not," he said smoothly. "But you know how this city works. Plan an innocent little New Year's Eve gathering; end up with a yeti. What with the lack of monkey-bats, I think you remain second only to me in party planning ability."