It was the first time Alice had heard him say that word in particular and, despite the situation, she liked it very much. She lowered her head, in order not to show how much that thought had excited her and started to mentally chanting the alphabet the way she often heard her neighbor's daughter do.
“Decimus, run to Luke, then join us. We’ll try to stay in an open area to be visible.”
Corvus nodded and, as before, leaped and unfolded his wings. A moment later, Tom and Alice were alone. She started to walk toward what she believed was west, but Tom stopped her. He cupped her face in his hands and lowered his head until he touched her lips with his.
“Whatever was the thought that excited you, hold it tight and don't let it go, at least until we can sit and talk about it in private. I've n
