Out, near the snowy courtyard, Sylaris's high-pitched laughter echoed through the playground.
After nearly an hour of chaotic fun, all the children were now sitting together in the cold snow. Their clothes were thoroughly messy, caked in white powder and dirt.
Sylaris looked completely wild—her hair was tangled and full of snow, her silk hair ribbon was nowhere to be found, her fine tunic was stained with slush, and her small hands were bare, her gloves long lost in the drifts.
All seven of them were breathing heavily, their hot breath forming white clouds in the freezing air.
Damien stood up, holding a small burlap sack filled with sweet, colorful demon candies he had managed to steal from a vendor. He reached into the bag and tossed a handful of sweets to Carmilla, Ruthven, Sylaris, Jaber, Selene, and Kiki, before popping his own share into his mouth.
Sylaris, who was sitting right beside Carmilla, watched with wide eyes as Carmilla happily chewed all her sweets in one go.
