Night had fallen over Phane City for the day.
The warm afternoon light gave way to gas lamps that began to illuminate the areas around, casting everything in golden tones. Reinhard left the hotel wearing his black suit and carrying the crow mask in his bag, moving casually despite the tension coiling in his chest.
The streets remained busy despite the hour. Music drifted from open Inn doors, accompanied by laughter and the clink of glasses. A group of young adults passed him, their arms linked, singing some popular song off-key but with enthusiasm that suggested alcohol was involved.
Street performers had changed from daytime artists to the musicians and fire dancers whose acts were enhanced by darkness.
Reinhard passed a corner where a magician performed tricks for a gathered crowd. Cards appeared and disappeared, coins vanished from one hand to reappear in a spectator's pocket. The audience gasped and applauded, completely absorbed in the illusion.
