The rain had picked up, and the streets of Arcanum were slick with rainwater. Nate walked quickly, his eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of the young woman. He noticed that the city was alive with people hurrying about their business, trying to avoid the rain. He saw street vendors huddled under awnings, offering their wares to passing customers. He heard the sound of vendors calling out to the crowds, advertising their wares.

Nate's search took him deep into the heart of the city, where the streets were narrower and more densely packed. He saw rundown buildings and alleyways that seemed to lead nowhere. He heard the sounds of laughter and shouting from the taverns and bars that dotted the street.

As he turned a corner Nate spotted her. Ava was leaning against a wall, sheltering from the rain. She was young and pretty, with long dark hair and an intelligent look in her eyes. She was wearing a long coat, with a hood that was pulled up over her head, and was clutching a large tome to her chest, and she was muttering to herself.

Nate approached her, his hand resting on the grip of his gun. "Ava?" he called out.

The young woman looked up, her green eyes narrowing as she recognized him. "Who are you?" she demanded.

"I'm Nate," he replied, trying to keep his voice calm. "I'm an arcane detective, and I need to ask you some questions."

Ava looked wary, but she stepped closer to Nate. "What do you want to know?"

Nate took a deep breath. "I need to know about the missing page from the book in the magical library. And I need to know about the Changeling."

Ava's eyes widened, and she stepped back. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Nate took a step closer, his voice low and firm. "Don't lie to me, Ava. I know you know something. And I'm not leaving here until you tell me what it is."

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Ava looked around, her eyes darting back and forth. She seemed to be weighing her options, trying to decide what to do next. Suddenly, her expression changed, and her eyes darkened.

"Very well," she said, her voice low and menacing. "I'll tell you what you want to know. But you won't like it."

Nate's hand tightened on his gun, ready for anything. Ava took a step closer, her voice growing louder and more insistent.

"I am not an evil wizard," she said, her eyes gleaming. "I have been controlling the Changeling, using it to restor order to this wicked city. And now, you stand in my way. However, I won't allow you, a mere pawn, to stop me."

Nate's heart was racing as he raised his gun. He knew that he was facing a powerful opponent, and that he needed to act fast.

"You're under arrest," he said, his voice firm. "For the murders of important figures in the magical community of Arcanum."

Ava laughed, a wicked sound that echoed through the alleyway. "You think you can stop me?" she asked, her eyes gleaming. "You have no idea what you're up against. I have magic beyond your comprehension."

Nate braced himself, knowing that this was going to be a fight to the death. The rain was pouring down, but he could see the magic in Ava's eyes, and he knew that he needed to be ready for anything.

Nate could see the fear in Ava's eyes, and he knew that she was hiding something. He decided to take matters into his own hands. He closed his eyes and whispered an incantation, calling forth his magical abilities. He raised his hand, and a bright blue light shot from his fingertips, engulfing Ava in its brilliant glow.

Nate raised his hand, speaking the incantation for a spell of immobilization. Ava was frozen in place, unable to move.

"Now," Nate said, drawing his gun. "You're going to tell me what I want to know."

Ava's eyes glittered with anger, and she spoke the counter-incantation, breaking the spell. She lunged at Nate, her hand emerging from her coat with a wand.

Nate fired his gun, the bullet hitting Ava in the shoulder. She staggered back, her wand falling from her hand. Bringing his gun to bear on her, Nate approached Ava. "You're coming with me," he said, grabbing her arm.

Ava laughed, a strange, high-pitched sound that sent shivers down Nate's spine. "You think you can stop me?" she hissed.

She raised her hand, and a wave of energy slammed into Nate, sending him flying through the air. He hit the ground with a thud, his gun flying from his hand.

Ava stood over him, a look of triumph on her face. "You can't stop me," she said, and with a crackle of energy, she disappeared into the shadows.

Nate struggled to his feet, anger and frustration filling him. He had come so close, and yet Ava had managed to slip away again. He reached for his gun, determined to find her and bring her to justice. But as he looked around, he realized that the street was empty, and Ava was gone.