After we went upstairs, I slowly let go of Uncle Quentin's hand.
For the briefest moment, a flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes. It vanished almost immediately, replaced by the calm, composed expression he always wore.
Down below, several residents had already stepped forward and were escorting Robert away from the square.
I watched the scene through the window before finally speaking.
"Was what he said true?"
Uncle Quentin's composure cracked at once.
For a man who was always steady and in control, the panic that flashed across his face was startling.
"Claire, listen to me—"
I cut him off before he could continue. "I want to leave this place."
The color drained from his face.
The panic in his eyes deepened so visibly that even his voice began to tremble.
He immediately
