Twenty minutes passed.
Marie, who was standing near the window, was watching as the afternoon light began shifting toward evening.
The gas lamps outside were being lit one by one, their yellow glow growing stronger as natural light faded.
She turned back to the group, her light-gold eyes sparkling with sudden inspiration.
"We should go outside and enjoy the festival!" Her voice carried infectious enthusiasm. "It's almost nighttime, that's when everything really comes alive!"
Klein, who'd been snuggling contentedly in Reinhard's arms, suddenly tensed. His small hands gripped his brother's shirt tightly, and uncertainty flickered across his face. "Outside? With... with all those people when it's nighttime?" His voice was small, hesitant. "What if something happens? What if the curse-"
He stopped himself, but the fear was evident. Reinhard's expression softened as he rubbed Klein's hair.
