Heine is distracted, wracking his memories to try and make sense of things. Why had Jade walked back with him, after the ball? They hadn't talked since that time Jade spoke to him, to say that he would be studying with Eichel from then on.

"Did Professor Eichel..." He pauses. Had he been there? How long has it been? Not answering Jade's question he looks at the clock in the corner of the room. Four in the morning. When he left the ball it had only been about midnight.

He'd lost time.

Heine turns back to Jade, a combination of confusion and near-panic in his face.

"It's four already." His voice has a sharp edge, discomfort clear.