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“I’m fine.”

“Please?” Maklr begged. “It’s not like you’ve got a bodyguard. It’s only for a few days to figure out whatever this is.”

“All right. If you insist, I’ll talk to him.”

“I do. He’s the best tactician I know.”

“There he is,” she said, keeping her voice low. Humans and Klagans mingled in the center. Younglings’ laughter filled the room. “Look at the kids enjoying themselves,” Nell said.

“Hey Nell. Maklr. We’ll keep this like a friendly chat, not business. Tell me what you’re feeling.”

Nell recounted the sense of being watched and about shadows moving where there weren’t any before.

Phil drummed his fingers against the side table. “This sounds familiar, like something I’ve come across before.” He shook his head. “I can’t place it.”

“Neither can I,” said Maklr. “I feel like I’m missing a key clue.”

“I’ll have a think. I’m sure I’ll eventually place it.” He abruptly changed the topic. “Are you two going to the festival tonight? Charlie’s going, and naturally, I am.”

“Wow, what a switch.” Nell smirked. “Who’s your date?”

Phil scanned the room. “I’ll have to find somebody single.” He winked. “Unless I could pull you away from Mak.”

“Not a chance in Hell,” she said.

“Didn’t think so, but it was worth a shot.” He threw his hands up in the air.

“Your charm doesn’t work on me,” Nell said.

“Too bad,” Phil laughed.

“All the better for me,” Maklr said.

“We should meet up later. I’ve got to scout for single females.”

“Deal.” Maklr shook Phil’s hand.

“Comm me ‌before you get there and you’ll find out who my date is.” Phil waved, disappearing into the crowd.

“I guess we’re going to the festival,” Nell said. “I’ve never been to one.”

“I went a few times when I was younger, but I bet it’s changed since then.”

“Will we be safe?”

“Of course. How’s about we put that out of our heads for now, and talk about it later? Can you show me how this thing you called a jungle gym, which looks neither like a jungle nor a gym, works?”

Nell grabbed his hand. “Come on.” She began to climb up the wooden and metal apparatus, placing her feet on the angled bars, stopping when she got to the top. “Sometimes you can drop into the center if you’re playing a game of tag, which is running around and trying to catch someone. Or it’s a nice hangout to see how far up you can get without getting dizzy.”

Maklr joined her at the top. “This is fun. I can see how it would be good exercise for someone with injuries to play with their children. You’re a brilliant woman.”

“I know, but I like it when you tell me anyway,” she teased. She turned her face toward Maklr. “Should we let them all know?”

“I think they do anyway, but why not?” He cupped her chin in his hand, kissing her soundly in front of the crowd. Cheers erupted below.

“I don’t think they wanted a show,” Nell said.

At the front of the crowd, cheering the loudest, stood Phil and Charlotte. Charlotte beamed like a proud parent.