A beat passed without any response from her.
Another.
Until...
Lariette's lips parted, but only muffled sounds came. Her eyes searched Ruediger, looking for any sign that he was joking.
But there was no trace of mischief in his expression. No smirk. No teasing glint. It was a rare moment he shedded off his usual playfulness.
Like on the nights he spoke about his mother's early demise and his kidnapping.
Her heart sank in her stomach and her jaw dropped.
"W-what...?" she breathed.
Was what she had just thought for a fleeting moment true?
Eddy... her Eddy... was Mr. R?!
Ruediger gently took Lariette's hands in his. His grip was warm and firm, grounding her back to the moment. When he spoke, his voice unwavering, gently luring her out of her trance.
"I didn't want to keep it from you forever. But I wanted the right moment, Lettie. And this... tonight's the time."
