"Not yet, but if it's something that can stand being around me, I definitely want to," Corwin says, pausing yet again in stirring the concoction in his beaker to peer out the window. Since it's after dark, it's safe for Malin to be around with the curtains apart. He doesn't want to put her in danger, after all-- she's more important than an animal. But he's definitely curious.

"I put out some food, so maybe it will come down where we can see it," he adds hopefully.