Wren turned.
Jin stood there in formal clothes, a dark blue tunic with simple embroidery, fitted but not flashy.Sara had been right, he looked good.Really good.
"Marshall," Wren said, then remembered."Jin."
His mouth quirked slightly."Wren.Sara."
"Isn't it beautiful?"Sara gestured at the lanterns."Wren brought elephant ear pastries and paper tigers for decorations."
"I heard."Jin's gaze settled on Wren."Generous contribution."
"I wanted to help."
"The dress is new."
She felt herself flush slightly."Madame Lin made it."
"It suits you."
Before she could respond, Sara elbowed her."I see my uncle waving.I should go say hello.You two...mingle."She disappeared into the crowd with a knowing smile.
Wren stood there, suddenly alone with Jin, very aware of the music and the lantern light and the way he was looking at her.
"Having fun?"he asked.
"Yes.It's wonderful.I've never seen anything like this."
"The town takes its festivals seriously."He glanced around, and she realized he was working, keeping watch even while socializing."Stay near the center.Easier to find help if needed."
"You think something will happen?"
"Lyra's here.Viktor's here.You're here."His tone was matter-of-fact."Something always happens."
As if summoned, a voice called out."Miss Wren!"
A young woman approached, about Jin's age, with the same dark hair and intelligent eyes.She wore a pretty yellow dress and had a bright, friendly smile."You must be Wren!I'm Mei-Lin, Jin's sister.I've been dying to meet you!"
"Mei-Lin," Jin said, a warning in his tone.
"What?I'm being friendly."She linked arms with Wren like they were old friends."Sara told me all about you.And Madame Lin.And basically everyone.Come on, they're about to start the partner games.You should join!"
"I don't know if—"
"Please?They're fun, I promise.And if we get paired together, we'll definitely win."
Wren glanced at Jin helplessly.
"Go," he said."Mei-Lin will take care of you."
His sister beamed."Exactly!Come on, Wren.Let's show these people how it's done."
She was swept away into the crowd, Jin's amused expression the last thing she saw before the festival swallowed her up.
Mei-Lin pulled Wren toward a roped-off area where a crowd was gathering.A large spinning wheel stood in the center, names written on wooden tokens scattered in a basket beside it.
"How does this work?"Wren asked.
"They spin the wheel and draw names randomly.Whatever it lands on, that's the game—relay race, lantern riddles, balance challenge, whatever.Your partner is whoever's name gets drawn with yours."Mei-Lin was practically vibrating with excitement."It's completely random, which drives my mother insane because she can't control who gets paired with who."
