I had minutes. Maybe seconds.
I tightened my grip on Adrien's hand and forced my face into a smile as we stepped into the garden lights. Lanterns floated over the hedges like soft blue moons. Music drifted from inside. Guests laughed.
A normal party.
A beautiful prison.
"Mommy," Adrien whispered, tugging my sleeve. "Where are we going?"
"To see Daddy," I said softly. "But it's a secret mission. Only brave boys can do it."
His little chest puffed up. He nodded seriously.
Behind us, a tiny voice called—
"Wait."
I froze.
Hildegard.
Again.
"Run now. They're looking for you inside." She said.
Before I could ask anything, Hildegard turned and ran toward the ballroom doors.
Seconds later—
A scream.
"Fire! There's a fire in the kitchen
!" she shrieked, her voice cracking with a perfect, desperate pitch. "The curtains are burning! It's moving to the ballroom!"
It was brilliant. The little girl was too smart for her age.
