Most of the footlights had burned out, a few still glowed faintly. In their light, Isabelle could see that the marquis and his players were gone. The stage was empty and silent. All Isabelle could hear was the sound of her heart beating. The spell of the play was broken. Isabelle looked around and realized she was still standing on the chair. She stepped down, her hands clenched. The excitement and wonder and sheer joy she’d felt only moments ago ebbed away. Grief, agonizing and deep, filled the void it left. “Why show me this?” she shouted wretchedly to the darkness. “Why show me something I
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