The city slept, shrouded in mist and drowsiness as a cavalcade of ornate carriages glided through the quiet streets. Lila sat on the windowsill, looking down at the Cirque Nocturne tents setting up. The last time the circus was here was five years ago. She had been a child then; now, she thought, she understood the world. But the world of Cirque Nocturne was slipping away from her mind. Leon was already waiting for her by the wall of the old cemetery, right next to a brand-new poster: "A performance for the brave only! Shows at Midnight!" She rolled her eyes, trying not to let her excitement show. "Ready for something weird?" asked Leon, smiling half-heartedly. The evening was heavy with shadow. The red and gold dome of the main tent glistened in the light of lanterns being carried. There were performers hanging around, and the air shimmered with the scent of incense, popcorn and... something else. Lila felt as if she was very close to a mystery she couldn't name. They entered the circus grounds through a gaping hole in the fence. Everything looked different at night - clowns without make-up whispered something among themselves, an illusionist cast a shadow longer than himself, a girl on a trapeze practised in complete silence. A light flashed in one of the circus carts - greenish and cold, unlike the lanterns. A figure in a black mask looked out from behind the glass. Lila squeezed Leoon's shoulder. "Did you see?" she whispered. He nodded, though he looked a little frightened. Suddenly there was a quiet moan, long and drawn out, from inside the dome. The circus workers stopped talking. For a moment, the world stood still. Leon muttered: "What was that?" Lila didn't answer - she pulled him towards the back, towards the back of the stage. Through a parted curtain, they could see the stage - completely empty, only in the centre, on a red carpet, stood a small, closed cage covered with black cloth. Immediately afterwards, the announcer appeared, dressed in a long frock coat decorated with silver studs. His voice was soft, but his words rang uneasily in the void: "You are about to see something you won't forget... But be warned - not all secrets like to be discovered." Lila squeezed Leon's hand. Something began to come from the black cage that sounded like a whisper - quiet and single at first, then increasing.... Suddenly the lights dimmed. Everything sank into an ominous darkness. Lila felt someone's cold breath on the back of her neck....