ã€ŠMonsters &amp; Magicã€‹


 The Cell

    Cora sat on the bench, clutching her stomach. It had been too long since she had last eaten, and she was beginning to fear that her stomach would cave in on itself. More than ever, she wished she had gone for the fruit at the stand. She kicked herself for being so bold to try and take something valuable.

    She looked up when the heavy door clicked and swung open, unsure if it was worth trying to stand.

    The woman had not been back to see her in a day and a half. The first evening, Cora had been ready for her, thinking over how she would confront her. Now, on the second evening, all Cora could think about was the burning hunger inside her.

    ¡°Hey.¡± An unfamiliar voice spoke into the dim room, and to Cora¡¯s surprise, a boy rounded the corner. The smell that came with him made her mouth water. ¡°I brought you something.¡± He approached the cell without hesitation, then stooped and slid something between the bars, setting it on the dirty floor. ¡°It¡¯s not much.¡±

    Cora waited until he had backed away to snatch the crusty bread and scarf it down, satisfying her hungry stomach. When she had finished, she looked out to see the boy still standing there. ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked, on guard now. People didn¡¯t do nice things for others without a catch.

    ¡°I just thought you¡¯d be hungry, that¡¯s all,¡± the boy replied. He approached the cell again and sat down on the dirty floor. His dirty blonde hair looked like it hadn¡¯t seen a comb in days, and his clothes looked equally dirty.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± she demanded.

    ¡°My name¡¯s Seth.¡± He smiled. ¡°What¡¯s yours.¡±

    She crossed her arms, flinching when her shoulder resisted the movement, and kept her mouth shut.

    ¡°Ok, I can do the talking,¡± he said. His gaze drifted around the room. ¡°I heard there was someone down here, and you never know with them¡­¡± He looked up as if he could see the room above through the ceiling. ¡°So I snuck the bread from the kitchen and brought it down.¡± He paused, as if waiting for a response. If he wanted some sort of grand gesture of thanks, he was in the wrong place.

    Cora kept her arms crossed, determined not to respond to this stranger.

    Finally, with a sigh, he stood. ¡°I¡¯ll be back with more,¡± he said, heading to the door. With one last glance in her direction, he disappeared from the room, closing the door behind him.

    With a huff, Cora paced the small space, then returned to the bench. Outside, the wind blew, rustling the leaves of what she assumed was a bush that grew in front of the little window. The movement made shadows dance on the cell floor. She rubbed her shoulder, thinking of where she would be now if she had chosen to take the fruit instead.

    When the door swung open again, she startled out of her reverie. The man who had dragged her there stepped inside, a dark expression on his face. The dark suit and slicked back hair made him look even more menacing in the dim light. ¡°Back up,¡± he growled, grabbing the door.

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    Cora tensed. Was this her opportunity to get out? She took a step back and watched as he unlocked the door, eyes searching for a hole.

    He opened the door just enough to slip an arm through and toss something in. It clattered on the floor, the sound echoing off the stone walls. Before it was still, the man had his arm back and was locking the door once again. ¡°Here.¡±

    She moved forward to see what had fallen only to find pieces of food scattered on the floor around a metal tray. She glowered at the man, despite the longing in her stomach. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    He sneered at her. ¡°Boss doesn¡¯t want you dying when she makes an example of you. She wants to send her message clear, to all you lousy rats.¡± He scoffed, then turned and left the room, slamming the heavy door behind him.

    Lousy rats. That¡¯s what everyone called them. She picked up small chunks of meat and bread, shoving them in her mouth. It wasn¡¯t the first thing she had eaten off the dirty ground. She had lived on the streets as long as she could remember. No one cared about people like her.

    She watched the shadows on the floor until they disappeared and darkness filled the space. At least I¡¯m not outside. Not that outside was much worse than this¡­

    The creek of the door caught her attention and she shot up, ready to defend herself.

    ¡°Hey. It¡¯s me. Are you awake?¡± A lantern bobbed in, held by the boy who had visited earlier. He walked straight up to the bars of the cell and put the lantern down on the floor, sitting next to it.

    The light glinted off the metal tray that lay upside down on the floor.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± she hissed, pacing.

    ¡°I wanted to come see you. Did you like the bread? I see they sent some more food down. I¡¯m glad. No one should be left hungry no matter what they did.¡± He met her eyes. ¡°What did you do?¡±

    She remained silent. Why is he asking? What does he care? She began going over possible motives in her mind.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anyway,¡± he finally said, fiddling with the bottom of his shirt. ¡°You still shouldn¡¯t go hungry.¡±

    She rolled her eyes. Lots of people go hungry.

    ¡°It¡¯s really dark in here,¡± he said, looking up toward the window. ¡°I guess that doesn¡¯t do you much good, huh.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not supposed to.¡± She crossed her arms again, ignoring the pain in her shoulder.

    To her surprise, he smiled and stood so that he was eye level with her. ¡°Are you going to tell me your name?¡±

    She stared at him. ¡°No.¡± It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll see him again, once I get out of here¡­ one way or another. Another was sounding less appealing.

    ¡°Do you want a blanket?¡± he tried. When she did not answer, he asked another question. ¡°Where are you from? Do you have any family around here?¡±

    The questions brought up feelings she had worked to suppress. None of the ¡°rats¡± had families, and they were from all over the city. ¡°You ever heard of mind your own business?¡± she snapped.

    The boy lifted a hand. ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to offend you.¡±

    ¡°Are you so desperate for someone to talk to that you¡¯ll go to a stranger in the basement?¡± she ground out. He could leave now. She was done dealing with him.

    His expression fell and he turned to the side. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m sorry I bothered you.¡± He turned to leave, then paused at the door, looking down.

    Cora stared at him, trying to decipher his body language.

    Then he looked up at her, a smile on his face once more. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±

    He closed the door quietly, and Cora was left to her own thoughts once again. Never in her life had she met someone like him. In her experience, people were always the opposite. She sat on the bench and leaned her back against the damp wall. There was no way she was going to be able to sleep¡­

 The Escape

    When morning finally came back around, Cora was ready. She stood to face the door when it opened. In walked the same man as before. A nasty smile covered his face as he came to stand on the other side of the bars. ¡°One more day, rat. Then, we¡¯ll be done with you.¡± He reached through the bars to grab the metal tray, then straightened and looked her over. ¡°Shame. You look fun. Maybe the boss will let us have you first.¡±

    Cora¡¯s face went numb, and her hands balled into fists. She had been prepared for verbal jabs, even threats to her life. Those were things she heard often. The threat he had made was one she was not expecting. She swallowed hard, biting back the retort she wanted to spit at him.

    When he was finally gone and the door securely shut, she dared to breathe again. She was fast and knew the city well. Given a fair chance, she was confident she would be able to disappear. This would not be a fair chance. With nowhere to go, an injured shoulder, and two against one, she didn¡¯t have much confidence at all. Her stomach rolled at the thought. I have to get out of here.

    Heart beating fast, she searched the cell for anything that might give under pressure. She tried everything from the lock to the bench. She managed to loosen the bolts that held it to the wall before the door creaked open yet again.

    Cora spun around, not yet ready to deal with further confrontation.

    Seth crept in, leaving the door ajar, and ran to the cell door. He pulled something from his pocket and began fiddling with the lock.

    Curiosity got the better of her as she watched. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Getting you out of here,¡± he said, his voice low and rushed. ¡°We don¡¯t have a lot of time.¡± He backed up and let the door swing open. ¡°Come on.¡±

    Cora held her ground, keeping her expression blank. ¡°Why?¡± This was too easy. There was no way he was actually going to get her out. It was more likely he was leading her into a trap with a false sense of security.

    ¡°Because they¡¯ll be back soon. They¡¯re talking with m¡ª the boss.¡± He looked back at the door, and then at her, motioning with his hand for her to follow. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    She didn¡¯t question again. That was all the motivation she needed. After searching fruitlessly for a way to break out, if he was offering escape, she would be a fool to reject it.

    He held a finger to his lips and peered out the heavy door. Then, he waved for her to follow as he slipped out of the room and into the long hallway. ¡°This way,¡± he whispered, turning down a corridor she hadn¡¯t noticed when she had been brought in.

    Before they had gone far, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed off the walls.

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    Cora sucked in a breath and paused to listen.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Seth whispered, regaining her attention.

    He was right. They didn¡¯t have time to stop and listen. She picked up the pace, following him further along the corridor. They stopped at a split, and that was when she heard the shouts. From behind them, deep voices called to each other. Their words echoed through the darkened space, making the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.

    ¡°This way,¡± Seth turned right. ¡°Follow me.¡± He ran down the corridor, and Cora followed, heart pounding and thoughts racing.

    To her horror, the voices behind them only seemed to grow louder and the footfalls closer. They were never going to make it out.

    ¡°This way!¡± She heard one man shout, and then they were running too.

    ¡°They¡¯re going to catch us,¡± she hissed at Seth.

    ¡°Almost there.¡±

    She tried to see up ahead, but the lights on the walls were spaced far apart, leaving dark spaces between them. The corridor itself seemed to stretch on forever. ¡°Where,¡± she started.

    ¡°Here,¡± Seth stopped short in a dark space, and began feeling along the wall.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked through her teeth. Panic rose as the footfalls neared. Any moment she would be able to see them running down the corridor. She was about to push Seth to keep going when he disappeared. A hand tapped her and she nearly screamed.

    ¡°Follow me.¡± His voice came from a hole in the wall, about knee height and just large enough to crawl through. Too small for the large men.

    She glanced back to see their shadows coming closer. Without wasting another breath, she got down and squeezed herself into the hole. Inside was pitch dark, but she dared not make a noise as the men neared the hole. Even Seth was still as a statue.

    When the men passed, Cora and Seth stayed where they were, silent. They waited until the footsteps had become echoes down the corridor and their voices were no longer clear. Then Seth whispered. ¡°This is our way out. Come on.¡± He shifted, bumping into her before moving further in. ¡°We have to crawl.¡±

    Cora put her hands and knees under her and began to make her way down the tunnel, doing her best to avoid colliding with Seth. The surface was roughly cut. It scratched at her palms and tore at the knees of her pants. In some spots it grew so narrow that she wasn¡¯t sure she would be able to squeeze through, while in other places it felt wide enough for two.

    She felt like they had been crawling all day when Seth finally spoke again. ¡°There¡¯s a connecting tunnel up ahead. We have to go up.¡±

    Cora nodded, then added, ¡°Ok.¡± She listened as he moved ahead, then followed.

    A small shaft of light cracked through the tunnel from above, and she stood slowly, searching for its source.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Seth said from beside her. He reached up and she thought she saw the shadow of a metal bar just before he grabbed it and pulled himself up. His feet scrambled for a hold, and as soon as they found it, he was moving again.

    Cora hesitated. After crawling for so long, her shoulder was throbbing. She looked around, wondering if there might be something that she could use to gain height.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Seth called from above. ¡°We¡¯re almost there.¡±

    Taking a deep breath, Cora jumped and reached for the bar. Her fingers caught it and she wrapped them around. Her shoulder burned as she pulled herself up.

    Just a little further, she told herself.

    She reached for the next hold and found it just at the edge of her reach. Her feet scrambled as she grabbed it, pulling herself up again. Then they hit the first hold, and she could push herself up, it was a lot like climbing a ladder.

    They followed the light to the top of the tunnel, and then paused. The sound of rock scraping against rock grated against her ears. Then, light flooded the small space, and she had to squint as they climbed up and out of the hole.

 The Portal

    Thunder rumbled in the distance, and when she followed the sound, Cora noticed a pile of clouds building in the sky just on the other side of a row of tall buildings. ¡°Is that the city?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Seth answered, shoving what looked like a large rock over the hole.

    The ground out here was rocky and uneven, with little tufts of grass growing up between rocks. It sloped down, away from the city and toward more trees than she had ever seen in her life. Even the orchards of some of the wealthy houses could not compare. These reached to the sky like arrows shooting up from the ground, their branches so thick she could not see through.

    They would make a good hiding place, if they were closer to the city. Cora turned back and started up the hill. There were a couple places she could hide to stay out of the rain, but she would have to get there quick to claim it before someone else did.

    ¡°No, wait!¡±

    The sudden outburst from Seth startled her and she turned to face him. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Not that way!¡±

    ¡°What other way is there?¡± She couldn¡¯t waste time arguing with him.

    ¡°We¡¯re not going back to the city. We can¡¯t. They¡¯ll be looking for you.¡±

    His words sent a chill down her spine. Those men couldn¡¯t do anything to her if they couldn¡¯t catch her¡­. But they already had once. ¡°Where are we going then?¡± she shot, glancing down at the rock that covered the tunnel.

    ¡°This way. I know a place you can hide.¡± Seth motioned in the opposite direction, toward the trees at the bottom of the slope. When she hesitated, he added, ¡°There¡¯s plenty of food and no one will come looking for you.¡±

    Cora gritted her teeth. ¡°Fine.¡± She followed Seth down away from the city, the only home she had ever known.

    The way down proved much harder than she had expected. Loose rocks tumbled away when her feet hit them, and twice, she almost stepped in small holes.

    ¡°Rabbit holes,¡± Seth explained, when she narrowly missed the second one.

    Cora frowned. Rabbits were food. Was this what he meant by plenty of food? She didn¡¯t know the first thing about hunting. The only animals she had seen in the city, aside from the birds that ate scraps and pooped on rooftops, were already broken down into chunks of meat being sold at market shops. She had heard of dogs, large animals with four paws, a tail, and knives for teeth, guarding the homes of the wealthy, but she had never seen one herself.

    At the bottom of the hill, Seth dropped down onto a smooth path. Instead of cobbled stones, this path was compressed dirt. It wasn¡¯t far, and when she followed suit, she landed steadily on her feet.

    Here, the trees cast shadows over them, blocking the late sun. Eerie chirps and whistles drifted from the other side, making the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.

    As they followed the path, the hill beside them grew steeper until it was a sheer rock wall, high above their heads. She followed Seth, careful to leave space between them, wondering where he might be leading her.

    I can turn back any time I want, she told herself.

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    ¡°Almost there,¡± Seth said, coming to a stop. He turned to face the wall, clearly searching for something.

    ¡°Are you sure you know where you¡¯re going?¡± She couldn¡¯t resist asking. If he did know, why was he always stopping to look for things?

    ¡°Yes,¡± he said. Then he walked right up to the wall and started to climb.

    She watched where he put his hands and feet, trying to memorize the holds he used so she could move just as quickly.

    He scrambled up into another hole, large enough for him to stand up straight, and turned back to Cora. ¡°Come up this way. There¡¯s some good holds.¡±

    As if she needed to be told. . . She huffed and then started to climb. What he had made look easy turned out to be quite difficult. Unlike the tunnel, there were no bars sticking out and nothing obvious to grab. She managed to find holds and pull herself up, much slower than he had done, her shoulder throbbing.

    When she finally reached the top, she stood in the mouth of a cave, much wider than the cell she had been stuck in. She turned to face the trees, holding her arm close to her chest and breathing through clenched teeth. Her arm felt like it might fall off. Whatever was wrong with it, it had only been made worse by the climb.

    Behind her, she heard Seth¡¯s footsteps crossing the rocky floor of the cave. ¡°It¡¯s back here. I just have to remember where¡­¡±

    She spun to see him walking along the back of the cave, his hand running along the wall. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    He turned to face her, and his expression changed from concentration to concern. ¡°Your arm¡­¡±

    She dropped her arm quickly, sucking in a breath to avoid flinching at the pain in her shoulder when it swung to her side. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± he said, his voice quiet.

    When he took a step toward her, she moved to the side, keenly aware of how close she was to the edge. ¡°I said, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    He paused, arm half raised toward her. Then he let it fall. ¡°I have a friend who can help. Come with me¡­¡±

    She narrowed her eyes at him. ¡°Where?¡± This cave seemed like a good enough hiding place to her. She fully expected to hide out there until they gave up looking for her, then return to the city.

    ¡°Somewhere safe,¡± he answered, glancing toward the back wall again.

    ¡°That¡¯s not an answer.¡± She shot back, carefully placing her arms back across her chest.

    Seth met her eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve come with me this far. We don¡¯t have much farther to go. Please, trust me.¡±

    Cora held her glare as a rumble of thunder filled the air, echoing inside the cave. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll explain everything when we¡¯re safe. Please. I don¡¯t want to be caught here when the storm hits.¡±

    Is he afraid of the rain? She scoffed. ¡°Fine.¡±

    Relief flooded his face right before he turned away. ¡°Back here.¡± He put his hand to the stone again and continued along the wall.

    Cora moved forward slowly, leaving space between them. She watched with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity.

    ¡°Here.¡± Seth stopped suddenly and put both hands in what looked like a random spot on the wall. It didn¡¯t stand out, but when he pushed against the stone, a section of wall began to shimmer, becoming opaque. ¡°Take my hand,¡± he offered.

    She didn¡¯t move, expecting him to drop it. When he didn¡¯t, and another clap of thunder shook the ground followed immediately by lightning that lit up the cave entrance, she gave in and took his hand. Her shoulder throbbed worse with her arm hanging by her side, but she gritted her teeth and focused on moving forward.

    If she hadn¡¯t been holding his hand, she wouldn¡¯t have believed her eyes when he disappeared into the shimmering rock. He pulled her quickly behind him, and she blinked against a bright light. She tore her hand from his and lifted it to shield her eyes.

    On either side of them, sand-colored walls rose up to create an alley with none of the litter and boxes that she would have seen in the city. They looked as if they had simply grown out of the ground, only slightly lighter than the sand beneath their feet. Overhead, a cloudless sky, painted in colors of yellow, orange, and blue, let the sunlight through unfiltered. When she turned back, all that was there was a pale stone wall.

    ¡°Where are we?¡± she asked in a whisper.

    ¡°Phaedra. They won¡¯t follow us here.¡± He glanced around, leaning forward to peek out of the alley. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Cora didn¡¯t move. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as she watched his movements. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    He paused and faced her. ¡°I have a friend who can fix your shoulder.¡±

    She narrowed her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He was too on guard for everything to be fine.

    Seth sighed. ¡°Nothing is wrong¡­ I¡¯ll explain everything when we get there. Promise.¡± He held a hand out to her and waited.

    Cora looked back at the solid wall behind her, then at Seth. Once she left the alley, would she be able to get back? Sucking in a breath, she gritted her teeth and followed Seth out of the alley.

 The Healer

    Cora and Seth made their way down a road of smooth stone. Along either side, more buildings rose out of the ground like fossils that had been imbedded there for centuries. None of them appeared to be more than one or two stories in height, their edges all smooth and rounded rather than the sharp corners of the city¡¯s brick buildings.

    Heads turned as they passed groups of people walking together. Instead of the fancy overcoats and high boots Cora was used to seeing, these people wore colorful cloaks that swayed with their movements. On their feet were the strangest strappy things she had ever seen, like the bottoms of shoes tied onto their feet with strings.

    She picked up the pace as Seth hurried down the street. They rounded corners and rushed down two more streets that looked the same as the first, before finally coming to a stop in front of one of the buildings.

    ¡°We made it,¡± he said in a huff. He knocked twice on the wooden door.

    When it opened, a taller, dark-skinned man, older than they were, stood in the doorway. ¡°You¡¯re back. I was beginning to worry.¡± His face showed no emotion until he saw Cora. ¡°Come inside,¡± he said quickly, moving to the side so they could pass. He closed the door behind them and eyed them with a look of concern. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    The room was simple and rectangular with little in the way of decorations. Windows in the ceiling let in the sun¡¯s light. On one side sat an oval table with chairs set up around it and a counter against the wall. Plants hung from the ceiling, drying out, above the counterspace. The other side of the room held what must have been a sitting area. Large colorful pillows were arranged on the floor beneath a shelf on the wall. At the far end of the room, a set of doors indicated more rooms.

    ¡°I¡¯ll explain everything, but first, she¡¯s hurt.¡± Seth gestured toward Cora. ¡°Can you help?¡±

    The man nodded. ¡°Of course.¡± He headed across the room to the door on the left, and Seth hurried to follow.

    Cora followed at a much slower pace.

    Two cots sat against two of the walls, and a workbench filled the space between them against the far wall. Shelves along the top of the walls held what looked like blankets. Cora¡¯s mind immediately began working on a plan to steal a couple before going back to the city. They would be useful in the coming winter.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see that arm,¡± the man said, indicating one of the cots. Rather than wait for a response, he turned toward the workbench and pulled open a drawer.

    Cora didn¡¯t move. No doctor ever looked twice at people like her.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Seth encouraged, hopping on the cot to sit with his legs dangling over the side. ¡°Matt is a healer. The best in Phaedra. He¡¯ll fix you up easy.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Mattias.¡± The man shot a glare at Seth. ¡°Don¡¯t call me Matt.¡±

    Seth rolled his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t know why. It¡¯s way easier to say.¡± He faced Cora again. ¡°What are you waiting for? Come on.¡±

    Her arm throbbed and she took a slow breath before going to sit on the cot, leaving as much space between them as she could. ¡°Explain.¡± She directed her focus on him while Mattias began prodding at her shoulder.

    ¡°Right. So, back in the cave, we went through a portal from your world to this one, Phaedra,¡± Seth said.

    Cora stifled a cry when Mattias found the painful spot in her shoulder.

    "Are you alright?" Seth asked.

    She clenched her jaw and gave a stiff nod, unable to trust her voice.

    "You''ve done quite a bit of damage to it. How long has it been like this?" Mattias asked. He picked up a small glass jar and dipped his fingers in, then carefully lifted her sleeve to rub the cold goop onto her shoulder.

    She shook her head, breathing hard. If she opened her mouth, there was no doubt she would start crying, and she wasn''t about to show any sign of weakness.

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    "It''s been four days," Seth answered. "I can explain," he added when Mattias shot him a look.

    ¡°I think you owe that to both of us,¡± Mattias confirmed, blue eyes narrowed.

    Seth took a deep breath. ¡°Well, I was getting ready to leave when they called an emergency family meeting. I was curious¡­¡± He shrugged as if this was a normal occurrence. ¡°It¡¯s not every day they keep someone in the basement¡­ so I went to see and that¡¯s when I met¡­¡± He looked at Cora.

    She rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. ¡°Cora.¡±

    "Cora," he repeated with a smile. "I decided to stick around and find out what was going on, since Cora didn¡¯t want to talk to me."

    "I told you to leave me alone," she corrected through gritted teeth.

    Mattias picked up a long roll of fabric and began to wind it around her arm before looping it over her neck.

    "Right... But I couldn''t do that. Not after I heard what they were going to do. So I broke her out and brought her here. It''s the one place I know my family won''t find you." He looked from Cora to Mattias and back as he spoke.

    Cora narrowed her eyes at him. "Where exactly is here?" He wasn''t making sense.

    ¡°I told you, this is Phaedra,¡± Seth said, motioning around the room as if it was the whole world.

    Mattias stopped and stepped back. ¡°Our world is similar to yours, connected by the portal you came through with Seth.¡±

    "Not many people know about it. My family discovered it and used it to leave, that''s how I know it," Seth explained.

    "If they know about it, then how can this place be any safer?" Cora questioned.

    "Well," Seth said with a sheepish smile, "They don''t know about the tunnels, or that I broke you out." When she raised a brow, he continued quickly. "But more importantly, they''ve been banished. If they try to come back-"

    ¡°They won¡¯t,¡± Mattias interrupted. ¡°How does that feel?¡± he asked, turning his attention back to Cora.

    She looked down at her shoulder, wrapped in fabric that was cleaner than anything she had ever worn. ¡°A little better,¡± she answered.

    The healer nodded. ¡°Good. You can rest here.¡± Then he turned his attention on Seth. ¡°Kitchen. Now.¡± He did not wait for Seth to follow before leaving the room in silence.

    Seth gave Cora a sheepish look before following Mattias from the room.

    Alone, she waited a moment before closing her eyes and tipping her head back to take a deep breath. She let it out slowly and glanced around the empty room. The door had been left ajar and the conversation drifted in to reach her.

    ¡°What¡¯s your plan here, Seth?¡± Mattias asked, his voice low.

    Seth hesitated before answering. ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten that far¡­¡±

    ¡°You brought her here. You need to have a plan,¡± Mattias said, his tone reproachful.

    "I had to get her out! If you had been there, you would have done the same thing." He paused and lowered his voice. "You remember what my parents are like. They were going to torture in front of everyone, and then kill her... to make an example¡­"

    In the silence that followed, a chill ran down Cora¡¯s spine, settling in her stomach with nausea. She never should have stolen the watch. It had been a stupid mistake.

    The wealthiest families in the city worked under the radar of the law. She knew they owned several of the shops along the main street and all the ¡°rats¡± knew to avoid the alleyways where their goons patrolled. Desperation had made her foolish.

    From the other side of the door, Mattias sighed. ¡°How much does she know?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, I think. From what I heard, she has no family and no home. There¡¯s a lot of them in the city¡­¡± His voice trailed off, and then he started again. ¡°But I don¡¯t think that¡¯s right either. She¡¯s different.¡±

    ¡°How in the name of the Ancient Magic would you know that?¡± Mattias asked, his voice full of disbelief.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m sure of it. She¡¯s not one of them. She can¡¯t be,¡± Seth insisted.

    ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡± Mattias challenged.

    ¡°She¡¯s different, not like the people of that world. I don¡¯t know how, but I¡¯m sure she¡¯s not from there.¡±

    Cora shook her head. Even the young kids who lived in the streets did not hope for such outrageous things.

    ¡°She can¡¯t stay here,¡± the healer finally said.

    ¡°She can¡¯t go back!¡± Seth insisted, raising his voice.

    Mattias cut him off. ¡°You can¡¯t keep her here against her will, Seth. If she wants to stay, then you can find her a Shield. Otherwise, once she¡¯s healed, you need to take her back.¡±

    A heavy sigh came from the other room, followed by silence.

    Her stomach churned as she thought over what Seth had said. All the street Rats stole. It was the only way to survive. None had ever been ¡°made an example of¡± for it.

    ¡°Here,¡± Mattias said, breaking the silence. ¡°Give her this. It¡¯ll help with the pain.¡±

    Footsteps signaled his approach before Seth appeared in the doorway. His expression changed and his face reddened when he met her eyes. ¡°Oh. Um. Here. Matt says this will help with the pain.¡±

    Cora eyed it before taking the cup from Seth. She smelled it, as if she would be able to detect poison if it was laced.

    ¡°It¡¯s medicine. I promise, Matt wouldn¡¯t hurt you. He¡¯s a healer.¡± The look on Seth¡¯s face almost made her feel bad for exercising caution.

    ¡°Whatever,¡± she finally said before downing the contents of the cup. What¡¯s the worst that can happen? After what she had overheard, she couldn¡¯t imagine much worse. She handed the cup back to Seth, refusing to make eye contact when he paused in the doorway. If he had something to say, he could go ahead and say it.

    Alone again, she leaned against the wall and let her eyes fall shut.

 The Morning

    Cora didn¡¯t remember falling asleep. She sat up slowly, a dull throb in her shoulder, and looked around the empty room. Sunlight streamed in through the windows in the ceiling, and she had to think for a moment to remember where she was. The only time the city ever sounded so quiet was when it had snowed so much that the houses were nearly buried. That had been one of the longest days in her memory, trapped in her hiding place in a crawl space in the top of an old building.

    The air here was warm and smelled of herbs. Voices drifted through the slightly open door, and she slid from the cot and crept across the floor to listen.

    ¡°¡­be bringing more in soon.¡± The healer¡¯s voice came in even and steady.

    ¡°I can go to the market tomorrow and ask around,¡± Seth replied.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be there for more than herbs, if your friend decides to stay.¡±

    With a sigh, Cora pushed the door open and stepped out. ¡°I¡¯m not his friend,¡± she clarified.

    A steaming pot sat in the middle of the table and the healer stood closest to the counter, untying a bundle of dried herbs. Seth turned in his seat, on the opposite side of the table, to face her

    ¡°Good morning,¡± he said, smiling wide and ignoring her comment.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Mattias asked.

    ¡°Fine,¡± she answered automatically.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Something about his expression told her that the healer saw through her. ¡°Are you hungry?¡±

    Her stomach growled before she could answer.

    A small smile flashed across the older man¡¯s face and he set the herbs down, turning toward the counter. ¡°Sit down, and I will get you a bowl.¡±

    Cora eyed the nearest chair. If she sat there, she would be between Seth and Mattias, a vulnerable spot. There were other chairs around the circular table, but she would have to pass someone to sit there.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a chair,¡± Seth said, his voice light.

    She scowled. ¡°I know.¡± Making up her mind, she stepped up and chose the chair closest.

    ¡°How¡¯s your arm?¡± he tried.

    ¡°Fine,¡± she repeated, watching as Mattias scooped some sort of stew out of the pot on the table and into a bowl.

    ¡°Here,¡± the healer said, setting the bowl in front of her. ¡°You need to eat to regain your strength.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said again, brushing off his words as her attention was pulled to the bowl in front of her.

    It smelled better than anything she had ever stolen from a market stand. She ignored the temperature, scarfing it down to satisfy her empty stomach. When she finished, she leaned back in the chair and turned her eyes to the ceiling.

    ¡°When did you last eat?¡± Mattias asked, interrupting the quiet.

    Before she could answer, a knock sounded at the door.

    Cora turned in her chair to watch as Mattias went to answer it.

    As soon as the door was opened, a girl in a dark purple cloak hurried inside. She pulled her hood back when the door closed, revealing a long braid of strawberry blonde hair and freckles across her nose.

    ¡°Delta?¡± Mattias stepped back. ¡°What are you doing? Where is Liam?¡± The alarm in his voice made Cora tense.

    ¡°He¡¯s hurt,¡± the girl answered. ¡°He sent me to get you.¡±

    Mattias closed his eyes and let out a sigh. ¡°Does he forget how dangerous it is for you to go out alone?¡±

    The girl glanced around the room before answering. A look of surprise crossed her face when her hazel eyes met Cora¡¯s. She spoke without dropping eye contact. ¡°He hurt himself butchering for the market.¡±

    Mattias ran a hand over his short black hair and shook his head. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll grab my bag. Wait here.¡± He headed back toward the room with the cots. As he passed the table, Cora heard him mutter to himself, ¡°Idiot.¡±

    The girl let her gaze wander around the room, releasing Cora from her stare. The cloak she wore fell over her shoulders, down to her knees, covering most of her body. On her feet, she wore the same strange shoes Cora had seen on the way to the healer¡¯s place.

    When Mattias returned he carried a large canvas bag. ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± he said, pausing at the table. ¡°Don¡¯t open the door.¡± He gave Seth a pointed look, then met the girl at the door. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Cora waited until the door had shut behind them before rounding on Seth. ¡°What was that about?¡± The worry in Mattias¡¯ voice when the girl had shown up alone had Cora feeling on edge.

    Seth sighed. ¡°Liam is always doing dumb things. He doesn¡¯t deserve to be a Shield.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± She narrowed her eyes at him. His answer did not make sense.

    ¡°Oh. Right.¡± Seth rubbed the back of his neck. ¡°There is no magic where you¡¯re from.¡±

    She held her stare and waited in silence for him to continue.

    ¡°A Shield is someone with magic who makes a promise to protect someone without magic,¡± he explained.

    ¡°Why?¡± she prompted when he did not immediately continue.

    ¡°Well, because there are monsters here, in Phaedra. Shadow-Walkers. The only defense against them is magic.¡±

    Silence fell between them while Cora went over his explanation in her head. ¡°Monsters¡­¡± she repeated the word slowly. There were monsters back in the city too. Those monsters were the reason she had ended up here. People with money never thought twice about hurting those without.

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    ¡°Yes,¡± Seth said at last. ¡°The Ancient Magic created the Shield bond to protect those without magic. Delta has no magic, and Liam is her Shield. His magic is supposed to protect her from the monsters¡­¡± He gestured to the door. ¡°Except when he does something stupid.¡±

    ¡°Like sending her here alone,¡± Cora finished. The idea seemed absurd.

    ¡°Yes. Without him, she has no way to defend herself against the Shadow-Walkers,¡± he explained.

    Cora crossed her arms. When she tried to picture a monster, the image in her mind was always the same. She stood to fill her bowl with more stew without looking at Seth. Stirring its contents, she took her time sitting down, watching the steam that rose up from the bowl. Just the idea of relying on someone else to protect her was repulsive enough to make her tense. No one looked after Rats in the city. That wasn¡¯t entirely true though¡­ She had been raised by Mica and Zack, who looked after the youngest of the Rats. They didn¡¯t have a house, exactly. They had taken over an abandoned building on the forgotten side of the city, away from the wealthiest homes.

    ¡°Do you have magic?¡± she finally asked, pulling her thoughts away from the place she would rather not think about.

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Seth answered. ¡°I mean, yeah. I do. It¡¯s just not strong enough to protect anyone yet. But I¡¯m training! It¡¯s getting stronger every day.¡±

    She looked up to narrow her eyes at him. ¡°You brought me here,¡± she said, her voice flat.

    He had the decency to look sheepish. ¡°I know. . . but you¡¯re safe now. I couldn¡¯t just leave you in that cell.¡± His words came rushing out and he glanced at the door as if he could see the portal from where he sat. ¡°It was a risk,¡± he admitted. ¡°I¡¯m not sorry I did it though.¡±

    She looked away again, scanning the large space. Beside the front door, a set of hooks hung on the wall. One was empty while the other held a deep red cloak, similar to the one Delta had worn. The conversation she had overheard between Seth and the healer came to mind. ¡°Mattias has magic,¡± she noted.

    Seth nodded. ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s the best healer in Phaedra. That¡¯s his gift.¡±

    ¡°His gift¡­¡± she repeated.

    ¡°Yep. There are a handful of people with magic who have been given an extra gift. His is the ability to find what¡¯s broken and heal it. Maya can teleport, Idris can manipulate the ground, and Felicity can find water.¡± He listed off the names as if Cora would recognize them.

    ¡°Is he a shield?¡±

    Seth shook his head. ¡°Not since Tide disappeared.¡±

    Cora raised a brow. ¡°Disappeared?¡± This world was beginning to sound like the city.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t like to talk about it.¡± He turned his attention to the mug in front of him. ¡°It¡¯s sort of a long story... Before I know him anyway. They say Tide was restless. He took risks and snuck out alone when Matt was busy. One day he disappeared. I think Matt blames himself. He really loved him.¡±

    Cora frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t they look for him?¡± Street kids went missing all the time in the city and nobody cared, but this had seemed different.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Seth said, sitting up straight again. ¡°They looked for him for a long time. If anyone could have found him, it would have been Felicity and Idris.¡± He sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened.¡±

    He was interrupted when the door opened.

    Mattias muttered to himself as he crossed the room. He disappeared into the cot room and came out with a scowl on his face.

    ¡°How is he?¡± Seth asked when Mattias had taken a seat at the table.

    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± he sighed. ¡°He nearly sliced his own leg off¡­ Next time he does something like that, I¡¯m going to move her in here until he learns.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Cora asked, watching him shift positions to lean back in his seat. He ran a hand over his hair. ¡°Liam is supposed to protect her. He made that promise when he became her Shield. Instead, he puts her life in danger.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Cora went back to her bowl of stew. The anger in his words told her there was more to the story, but she chose not to question further.

    ¡°How¡¯s your shoulder?¡± he asked, expression softened.

    She shrugged and winced. ¡°It¡¯s ok.¡±

    His expression became unreadable for a moment. ¡°You don¡¯t need to hide it. I¡¯m here to help.¡±

    She chose not to respond, turning her focus back to her stew. It had cooled down significantly, and she was eager to finish it and go back to the cot room where she would be alone. She had done more talking since getting up than she had in days. She scarfed it down and then pushed her chair from the table. Without another word, she ducked into the room with the cots.

    Leaning against the door, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath and rubbed her sore shoulder. The sling helped, but it didn¡¯t fix it. How long would it be until it would be healed? Then she could go back to the city¡­

    A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts and she stepped away, whirling around as it opened.

    The healer stepped in, moving slowly, and left the door cracked behind him. ¡°May I look at your shoulder again, Cora?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I guess¡­ Why?¡± She moved toward the cot, trying to position herself so that she would be able to make a break for the door if the situation turned. She had learned the hard way, a long time ago, not to let herself be trapped in a room with anyone.

    ¡°Because I have a cream to put on it that will help with the pain and swelling,¡± he answered, opening a drawer in the workbench and pulling out a jar.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal,¡± she tried. ¡°I¡¯ve had worse.¡±

    He didn¡¯t respond as he approached and carefully pulled aside the top of her shirt. It was already too big and slid easily down from her shoulder.

    The cream sent goosebumps down her arm and across her back as he slowly spread it over her skin.

    ¡°How did you end up with Seth¡¯s family?¡± he asked, his voice even and soft.

    Cora swallowed. I can¡¯t tell the truth. She gave the first answer that came to mind. ¡°They had the wrong person. Someone stole from them and I was the first Rat they grabbed. They didn¡¯t care who it was.¡±

    Mattias put the cap back on the jar and replaced it in the drawer. ¡°Rat?¡± he asked, turning to face her, a new jar in hand.

    The word used for street kids sounded dirty here; out of place. She shrugged again, looking anywhere but at the older man. ¡°It¡¯s what they call people like me.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± he said. ¡°Here.¡± He took the lid off and handed her the jar. ¡°Just one sip.¡±

    Cora took the jar and looked inside. ¡°It¡¯s empty.¡±

    Mattias shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s magic. We don¡¯t have water for bathing, we have this. One sip helps repel dirt and grime.¡± He nodded toward the jar. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    She hesitated, looking from the healer to the strange jar. If he was playing a prank, it didn¡¯t make much sense. Slowly, she raised it to her lips and took a sip. It was the sweetest drink she had ever tasted, sending cool waves throughout her body.. Handing it back took more effort than it should.

    Mattias took it and put it back in the jar. Then, he reached for the shelves at the top of the wall and pulled down a box. He set it down on the cot beside her and opened its lid to reveal bundles of fabric in light colors. ¡°I have some clothes in here, not much in your size. Here.¡± He pulled a bundle of white fabric out and handed it to her before putting the box back on the shelf. ¡°It¡¯ll be better in this environment than what you have.¡±

    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± she said, turning it over in her hands. The fabric was softer than anything she had ever felt.

    Mattias moved slowly to sit on the other cot, across from her. ¡°Who are people like you?¡± he asked, his voice steady and soft.

    She bit the inside of her lip and made her hand a fist on the fabric. This is it. When I answer, if I tell the truth, I¡¯ll be back on the street. She steeled herself and spat the answer out, prepared to run. ¡°Street kids. Okay? If you don¡¯t have a home, you¡¯re a Rat. Got it?¡± She hadn¡¯t meant to shout.

    Silence filled the room while Cora waited for the reaction she knew would come. Nobody wanted a Rat in their house. This place would surely be no different with it¡¯s organized furniture and quiet atmosphere. She didn¡¯t even belong in Phaedra.

    Slowly, Mattias stood. He took a deep breath before speaking. ¡°Rest, Cora. You are safe here,¡± was all he said before leaving her alone in the cot room.

    She watched him walk away, leaving the door ajar once more. When voices drifted in from the other room, she listened carefully, expecting him to demand that Seth take her back. Instead, he asked for help cleaning up and told Seth his plan for Delta if she needed a safe place to stay.

    Cora scowled at the wall across the room. What is up with this place? She had seen none of the reactions or behaviors she had come to expect from the people of the city. It made her feel uneasy.

    Things were never this peaceful and people were never so nice. Something was bound to go wrong.

 The Injury

    Cora stayed in the quiet of the cot room for a large chunk of the day, listening to the conversations that drifted in through the door.

    She turned the material Mattias had given her over in her hands. Never in her life had she been given anything so new¡­ Carefully, she stood and laid the fabric out on the cot. The pale, almost white, dress showed no signs of wear. She ran her hands down the front, marveling at the texture. Then, without thinking, she took the torn and dirty clothes she had worn off and slipped the dress over her head, careful not to get the sling around her arm stuck. It hung loose, down past her knees and when she moved, it swayed with her. Balling up the old clothes, she dropped them on the end of the cot and then paced once around the room, enjoying the feel of the material against her skin.

    If this is what Phaedra is like, I think I want to stay. She compared the two places and, although she felt cramped inside the Healer¡¯s house, it was still so much better than winter time in the city. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The absence of boiler smoke and cigarettes was not lost on her. It felt as though she had been suffocating her whole life and now, she could breathe. The strongest scent in this place was from the freshly cut herbs.

    The sound of the front door opening and closing startled her out of her thoughts, and Cora tiptoed over to the door to listen.

    When the only sound she heard was an odd scraping noise, she stepped out into the main room to investigate.

    ¡°Hello Cora,¡± Mattias greeted her from the counter where he mashed something in a clay bowl.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Seth?¡± she asked, looking around.

    ¡°He went to the market. He¡¯ll be back later.¡± He answered.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡±

    ¡°Sit down and eat something.¡± The healer motioned toward a lidded basket in the center of the table, where the pot of stew had been before.

    She reached for it, eyes on Mattias as he went back to work.

    He didn¡¯t look up when she stuck her hand in and pulled out a piece of dried fruit.

    She took a bite and, for a moment, nearly forgot herself. It was as delicious and sweet as the fruits imported into the city. When they fell off overloaded carts, there was always a scramble for the scraps left behind. She reached out and snatched another piece from the basket.

    ¡°They¡¯re even better fresh,¡± Mattias¡¯ voice cut through the quiet and she whipped her head around to meet his eyes. ¡°They¡¯re brought over from the islands every few days. I expect we¡¯ll be getting more soon.¡±

    Cora stared down at the fruit in her hand, then turned her eyes on the generous man, suspicion rising. Small talk always led to something unpleasant. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked.

    He picked up the bowl and set it on the table with careful movements. ¡°I want to know why you trusted Seth,¡± he said simply.

    Cora opened her mouth, then shut it again. The question caught her off guard. She had been expecting confrontation, or some sort of accusation; even a favor in return for the food and clothes. Scrambling to come up with an answer she looked down again. ¡°I didn¡¯t exactly have a choice.¡±

    ¡°There is always a choice, Cora.¡± She watched out of the corner of her eye as he went back to the counter and reached for something up high. When he turned around, he carried a small jar with a few pieces of dried greens sitting at the bottom. ¡°What made you decide to come with him?¡±

    She hesitated, brow scrunched, trying to come up with the right answer. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ He opened the door. I saw the way out and took it.¡± Why did this feel like such an intrusive question? The answer should have been simple. When he didn¡¯t answer right away, she looked up from the food in her hand to see him watching her. ¡°What does it matter to you?¡±

    ¡°There are no rats in Phaedra,¡± he started slowly.

    Coa turned her expression to a glare as the words came out. So that¡¯s what this is about. This is the part where it all ends. She took a step toward the cot room, her mind on the bundle of clothes she had left there. They were in bad shape, but they would be better for cold weather than the dress.

    ¡°If that was your life before and you want to go back, when your shoulder is healed, I¡¯ll have Seth take you back.¡±

    She took another step toward the door, muscles tense. A stabbing pain hit her in the chest and she gritted her teeth against it. She had known her stay in Phaedra would not last long.

    ¡°I think the reason you chose to follow him was because you had hope,¡± he said, his short tone regaining her attention.

    Cora looked up at the older man, careful to keep her guard up. ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    ¡°You have another choice, Cora. If you would like, you can stay in Phaedra. Nobody here goes without a home or basic needs. We can help you find a Shield, and you can start a new life.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± she demanded before he finished speaking. Nothing good came for free.

    Mattias met her eyes, expression serious. ¡°It won¡¯t be easy. Life here is nothing like what you''ve experienced. You will have to learn our culture and build relationships.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Cora crossed her arms. It was hardly a catch. It sounded more like a life of luxury with food she didn¡¯t have to fight for or steal, and clean clothes without tears and rips.

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    The healer nodded. ¡°Those walls you have built will not come down easily, but if you let them, you just might find a home here.¡±

    She gritted her teeth, torn between the urge to hide away in the cot room and gather her old clothes and the desire to keep what she had.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to make that choice now. Sit and eat. You need the nutrients,¡± Mattias said, pouring the contents of the bowl into the jar.

    She waited until he had turned his back to reclaim a spot at the table. Nibbling at the fruit in her hand, she thought over what he had said.

    The silence that fell did not have time to settle before the door flew open and Seth hurried inside, breathing hard. ¡°It¡¯s Idris!¡± he said between breaths. ¡°He¡¯s coming. A kid is hurt.¡±

    Mattias turned without a word and rushed to the door as a man entered. A dark brown cloak was flung back over his shoulders and he carried an unconscious boy in his arms.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked, walking with the man toward the cot room.

    ¡°Shadow-Walker,¡± the man answered. They crossed into the cot room, speaking in hushed voices.

    ¡°Hey Cora,¡± Seth said, startling her.

    ¡°What?¡± Cora asked. She stood to face him, heart pounding.

    ¡°How¡¯s your shoulder?¡± he asked, coming to stand at the table.

    ¡°Fine.¡± She gave the automatic answer, not bothering to test it for herself.

    Seth smiled. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± His gaze ran over the dress she wore.

    Cora nodded toward the cot room. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what happened,¡± he answered, following her gaze. ¡°I was on my way into the market and ran into Idris. He had this injured kid, so I came back with him.¡± He paused, then added, ¡°It looks like a Shadow-Walker got him.¡±

    Cora felt a shudder run down her spine. She stepped away from the table and around Seth, heading for the cot room. She came to a stop just outside the open door.

    ¡°¡ªjust outside the market,¡± the stranger was saying.

    Their backs were turned, their focus on the boy who now lay on the empty cot.

    ¡°What was he doing there?¡± Mattias asked.

    The stranger shook his head. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell you. He¡¯s wearing a band, but there was no sign of a Shield anywhere.¡±

    ¡°Oh man,¡± Seth said too loud.

    Both men turned to look at Cora and Seth, and the stranger met her eyes with an unreadable expression.

    ¡°Seth. Go get the bucket,¡± Mattias said, pointing a bloody finger. ¡°Quick.¡±

    Seth ducked away with an, ¡°Ok,¡± as Mattias turned back to the boy.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Cora asked, stepping inside to get a better view.

    ¡°He was attacked by a Shadow-Walker just outside the market,¡± the stranger answered, light brown eyes focused on her. They almost seemed too light against his sandy colored skin. When she looked down, her eyes were drawn to bare feet. Everyone else she had seen wore something between their feet and the ground.

    She tore her eyes away and looked up. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Words left her when she saw the boy. His chest rose and fell in shallow breaths, and blood flowed from a wound that looked like a chunk had been torn from his side.

    ¡°Here!¡± Seth announced, pulling the stranger¡¯s attention as he hauled a bucket full of water into the room. He set it on the ground beside Mattias and handed him a rag.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± the healer said, taking the rag and dipping it in the water. He moved quickly, cleaning up the blood and then pressing a clean cloth against the boy¡¯s side. ¡°Cora, grab a blanket from the shelf,¡± he said without looking.

    She hesitated, then climbed up on the cot she had used and pulled a blanket down. Passing it off to Mattias, she couldn¡¯t tear her eyes from the boy. His black hair stuck to his sweaty forehead and his face was scrunched in a pained expression. ¡°Um¡­ Is he gonna be okay?¡± she asked.

    Mattias draped the blanket over the boy¡¯s legs and feet, then pointed to the workbench. ¡°Second drawer on the right. Grab the big patch,¡± he said to the other man. ¡°You can go, Cora. Thank you.¡± He spoke without looking at her.

    She didn¡¯t realize her mouth was open until she was out of the room. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

    ¡°You alright?¡± Seth turned to face her, standing at the counter.

    She sighed and sank into a chair. ¡°Yeah.¡± Mixed feelings swirled around in her stomach.

    ¡°He¡¯ll be okay,¡± Seth said.

    She narrowed her eyes at him. ¡°How do you know?¡±

    ¡°Because.¡± He smiled, taking the seat across from her. ¡°Matt heals people. It¡¯s his gift. This is not the first Shadow-Walker attack he¡¯s seen.¡±

    Finally, Mattias and the stranger emerged from the cot room.

    ¡°He¡¯s going to be alright,¡± the healer announced, He carried the jar that Cora had drank from earlier and pulled a towel from a cabinet beneath the counter, dipped one corner into the jar, then wiped it over his hands. Like magic, the blood and dirt disappeared. When he was done, he passed it to the stranger. ¡°Here.¡±

    ¡°Now what?¡± Seth asked. ¡°Do you know where he came from?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Mattias answered. ¡°We¡¯ll take care of him, and when he wakes, he can tell us what happened.¡±

    The stranger handed the rag back to Mattias. ¡°I¡¯m going to see if the others are around to help track down his Shield.¡±

    ¡°Alright. In the meantime, Seth and Cora can help take care of him while he recovers.¡± He looked between Cora and Seth. ¡°Someone will need to stay close and keep watch.¡±

    Cora seized the opportunity, standing and stepping away from the table. ¡°I can do it.¡± She hurried into the cot room without waiting for confirmation.

    The boy lay still on the cot, a blanket draped over his body. His face looked peaceful, as if he might just be taking a nap. A dirt and blood stained sky blue cloak sat balled up at the foot of the cot. His messy hair and dirty face reminded her of some of the younger street kids. It was the norm back in the city. Seeing it here felt oddly nostalgic.

    She sighed and sat on the edge of the empty cot, studying the boy. ¡°They say you¡¯ll be alright¡­¡± she started and then trailed off. Through the doorway, she listened to the sounds of cups being set on the table and the hushed conversation.

    ¡°I saw Maya and Rio at the market,¡± the stranger was saying. ¡°I¡¯m not sure where Felicity and Marina are though.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen them in a few days,¡± Mattias commented. ¡°I suspect they¡¯ve gone down to the well.¡±

    Silence fell for a short time before the stranger spoke again. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be back to check on him. Thanks.¡± The scrape of a chair against the floor followed, and then footsteps across the room before the door opened and closed, signaling the stranger¡¯s departure.

    Mattias entered the cot room and placed a hand over the boy¡¯s head for a moment. ¡°He will be okay,¡± he said, finally answering her question from earlier.

    ¡°How do you know?¡± She looked up to meet his eyes as he turned to face her.

    ¡°This is not the first Shadow-Walker attack I have dealt with. It¡¯s why having a Shield is so important.¡± He paused and then asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± Cora asked. I¡¯m not the one with a chunk taken out of my side.

    Mattias held her gaze for a moment. ¡°Alright. If anything changes, let me know.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± She waited until he had left the room to move so that she could lean her back against the wall.

    Overhead, a single cloud passed above the windows creating a slow-moving shadow that crossed the room. The boy¡¯s face scrunched and a quiet whimper came from his open mouth.

    Cora tensed with the shift, waiting for him to wake. When he relaxed again she did the same, leaning her head back against the wall. Questions filled her mind. ¡°I hope they¡¯re right,¡± she said to the sleeping boy. ¡°I don¡¯t know if anyone in my world would survive something like that.¡± Keeping to herself, she had managed to avoid major injuries, though she remembered, as a child in the abandoned building, a sickness that had passed through, taking almost all of the other children as it did. It wasn¡¯t long after that she had left for good.

    A knock sounded at the front door and Cora settled herself in to listen.

 The Accusation

    Several visitors later, Cora sat on the cot, fiddling with the soft hem of the dress and watching the sleeping boy on the other cot. He hadn¡¯t made any other noise or movements. Only the steady rise and fall of his chest let her know he was still alive.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Seth popped his head in the door, startling her.

    She crossed her arms and glared at him. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Mattias says we should switch places. You need a break.¡± He threw a look behind him that made Cora think he would rather not take a turn.

    ¡°Fine,¡± she said, sliding off the cot. She slipped past Seth and out the door into the main room where Mattias stirred a bowl over a small fire on the table. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± she asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a healing salve. Our visitors earlier, Lizzy and Bay, brought the herbs I need to make more.¡± The fire sat in a clay basin on the table with the bowl propped up on stones above it. ¡°It¡¯s the same cream I put on your shoulder.¡± He looked up at her. ¡°How is your shoulder?¡±

    Cora shrugged. ¡°Better.¡± She couldn¡¯t keep the surprise out of her voice when the movement brought none of the pain from before.

    Mattias smiled. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll unwrap your arm then so you can use it.¡± He turned and wiped his hands on a rag on the counter, then approached Cora. He unwrapped her arm with careful hands.

    When the wrap was finally off, she rolled her shoulders and stretched out her arm. It felt stiff, but it didn¡¯t hurt like it had when she had followed Seth out of the city. ¡°Wow,¡± she uttered to herself.

    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± he asked, regaining Cora¡¯s attention.

    She shook her head. ¡°Not really.¡±

    ¡°Then I have a job for you,¡± he said, stepping over to the counter and pulling out the bowl he had used for grinding herbs. He set it in front of her and held out what looked like an oddly smooth rock. ¡°Use a circular motion to grind the leaves in the bowl.¡± When she took the rock, he returned to the counter and reached up to pull down a dried bundle of herbs.

    Cora scrunched her nose at the smell as he crunched up the leaves and dropped them into the bowl. ¡°What are they for?¡± she asked, staring at the pungent plant.

    ¡°Nausea.¡± Mattias answered, turning his attention back to the fire.

    She watched him add a small sick to the fire, then took a slow breath and put the rock in the bowl and moved it in a circle over the herbs. The sensation of rock against rock sent goosebumps along her arms when the next knock came at the door.

    She looked up to watch as Mattias hurried to open it.

    The girl in the purple cloak was back. This time, she was not alone.

    Using her shoulders as a crutch, a man with long brown hair tied back in a bun and a matching purple cloak entered with her.

    ¡°Welcome back,¡± Mattias said, closing the door behind them.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± the girl said. Her eyes found Cora almost instantly.

    ¡°Come on back, Liam. I¡¯ll look at your leg.¡± Mattias grabbed a cane from a rack by the cushions and passed it to the man. ¡°Give Delta a break.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± the man said with a wry smile. He took the cane and let go of the woman to follow Mattias through the house.

    The girl didn¡¯t wait for them to disappear into the other room before lowering her hood and walking over to the table where Cora stood. ¡°You¡¯re still here,¡± she observed.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cora answered.

    ¡°You¡¯re not from here,¡± she continued.

    Cora shook her head, then she looked up. From the cot room, Mattias chastised Liam for his poor choice. She half expected Seth to come rushing out of the room.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°My name is Delta,¡± the girl said.

    Cora turned her attention back to the bowl in front of her. ¡°Cora.¡±

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Delta asked.

    Cora narrowed her eyes. ¡°I hurt my shoulder.¡± There was no way she was giving a stranger more than the bare minimum.

    ¡°You came to the right place.¡±

    Cora nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡± She thought of the city and its unforgiving streets. Not like I had a lot of options.

    Silence fell around them, and Cora ground pressed harder into the bowl, grinding the herbs.

    ¡°What are you working on?¡± Delta asked.

    Cora paused and glanced up to meet her gaze. ¡°Oh, um, I¡¯m grinding this herb, for Mattias.¡±

    ¡°May I?¡± Delta reached for the bowl.

    Cora slid it over and handed her the rock.

    She took it and began working it over the leaves with skilled hands. As she worked, Cora noticed a gold band around her wrist. It stood out beneath the purple cloak, catching the sunlight.

    ¡°Do you have a Shield?¡± she asked without looking up.

    The question took Cora by surprise. ¡°No. Why?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have magic.¡± Delta¡¯s answer came quickly as if it had been an obvious lack. When Cora did not respond she continued, eyes on the herbs as she worked. ¡°Be careful who you choose. They are not all kind. Once the choice is made, it cannot be changed.¡±

    Cora glanced over at her from the corner of her eye. ¡°What¡ª¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Liam spoke with loud relief as they exited the cot room, Seth following behind.

    Delta straightened, handed the stone back to Cora, and stepped away from the table. ¡°Good,¡± she said, fixing a smile on her face.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I never should have sent you out alone,¡± he said to her. ¡°I¡¯ll be more careful next time.¡±

    To Cora¡¯s ears, the casual apology sounded less than sincere. Then he met her eyes.

    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± He glanced from Cora to Mattias.

    ¡°Cora is a friend of Seth¡¯s,¡± Mattias answered, ushering them toward the door. ¡°She¡¯s just helping me out this morning.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± The man looked at her once more and then reached for Delta. ¡°Come on. We have to stop by the market on our way back.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not on the way,¡± she said, moving to join him.

    ¡°Close enough.¡± The man took her hand, a grin on his face.

    They paused at the door and Delta caught Cora¡¯s eye while Liam thanked Mattias again.

    ¡°No problem. Any time you need something, you can always come find me,¡± he said, touching a hand to Delta¡¯s shoulder as they left.

    Cora watched in silence as he went to the counter to wash his hands again.

    Across the table, Seth added a stick to the fire and stirred the bowl sitting above the flames. ¡°How long do you think it¡¯ll be until she¡¯s back?¡± he asked.

    Mattias shook his head and sighed, turning to face them. ¡°It¡¯s not for us to say.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± The more she thought about the look in his eyes, the more she disliked Liam.

    ¡°Because I can¡¯t help her if she doesn¡¯t want me to,¡± he answered.

    Cora narrowed her eyes. ¡°Why not? You¡¯re some great healer, I thought you were supposed to help people, but then you just ignore the problem? What the hell?¡± Anger rose with the accusations. This place was no better than the city.

    She was ready to yell when Mattias spoke up, his usually calm voice hard. ¡°Listen, Cora. I have done all I can for her. No one can help someone who does not want it.¡±

    Cora opened her mouth, then closed it again, anger boiling in her stomach. ¡°No.¡± She backed away from the table. ¡°No way. If you cared, you would do something.¡±

    She ran for the cot room and slammed the door behind her.

    Leaning against the door, she closed her eyes and fought the emotions that threatened to show. Tears were for the weak, and she refused to be weak. She had been foolish to think that this place might be better than the city.

    I should just go back.

    She pushed herself off the door and walked over to the cot where her old clothes were balled up. When she put her hand on them, she couldn¡¯t make herself pick them up. It would be wintertime soon in the city with heavy snowfall and bitter cold. There was never enough food or shelter for the Rats and she wasn¡¯t about to go back to the warehouse where she had grown up.

    She didn¡¯t notice the tears until they splashed onto her hand. Gritting her teeth, she swiped at them, determined to stop the flow.

    A whimper came from the other cot and she whipped her head around. The boy¡¯s face scrunched up and his chest moved with short shallow breaths. He moaned and then whimpered again, turning his head as if trying to get away from something.

    When the door opened, she backed up and the backs of her knees hit the empty cot, knocking her down to sit on the edge.

    Mattias went straight to the boy without looking at her. He wiped the boy¡¯s face with a wet cloth and then rested a hand on his chest. After a moment, the boy¡¯s breathing slowed, and his face relaxed. The healer turned then and faced Cora, his expression unreadable.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what the rules are where you are from, but here in Phaedra people have choices. Delta is no exception. If you think I haven¡¯t tried to convince her to break the bond and start over, then you haven¡¯t been listening.¡± He kept his voice even and held her gaze as he spoke.

    ¡°You think I want to send you back to a city that will only bring you more harm?" he asked.

    Cora opened her mouth to answer, but he kept going.

    "I don¡¯t, but it is not my choice to make any more than Delta¡¯s is. All I can do is offer a better choice.¡±

    Cora stared at the healer, lost for words.

    It had never occurred to her that he might feel the same way about both her and Delta, or that she had the same choice to make as the other woman.

    Never in her life had she had to worry about other people, what they were feeling or thinking, what they needed. She had never had the time or energy to spare. Sure, she had cared about the other kids in the warehouse, but that was hardly the same thing.

    He moved toward the door and rested a hand against its smooth surface. ¡°Next time, pause and think before you make accusations.¡± Then he walked out, leaving Cora with her thoughts.

 The Plan

    Cora laid on her back staring out the window above her. More stars than she had ever seen twinkled in a clear sky.

    She had gone over the words Mattias had said enough times to have them etched into her memory. Did he really not want to send her back to the city? The idea that anyone might care about someone like her was foreign. Then again, all of Phaedra was.

    ¡°He¡¯s right though,¡± she whispered to the quiet room. ¡°Nothing good will come from winter.¡±

    Last winter she had slipped on ice and twisted her ankle so bad it been difficult to walk for days.

    A soft whimper came from the other cot and turned her head to look at the boy. When the whimper morphed into a cry, she sat up, scrambling for the right response.

    She didn¡¯t have to decide before Mattias came running in. He lit the lamp on the wall and grabbed the jar he had left on top of the workbench and pulled the blanket off the boy. Keeping his voice in a whisper, he motioned for Cora to come over.

    ¡°Stay by his head and talk to him while I put this salve on.¡±

    Slowly, she crossed the room and crouched by the boy¡¯s head. His face was contorted in pain and his eyes were shut tight.

    ¡°Um,¡± she started, trying to think of what was said to the younger kids back in the warehouse when nightmares woke them. It had been a long time since she had had to deal with that. ¡°Hey. It¡¯s alright. You¡¯re okay.¡± That sounded right. ¡°You¡¯re safe here,¡± she added. The words held more truth here than they ever had before.

    The boy¡¯s face began to relax and he blinked his eyes open to find hers.

    ¡°Mattias is here,¡± she continued, keeping her voice calm. ¡°He¡¯s helping you get better.¡± Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mattias straighten.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve ever been here before.¡± She kept talking, saying the first things that came to her mind. ¡°Lots of people come here when they get hurt. You¡¯ll be better soon.¡± She brushed the hair off his sweaty forehead. ¡°Is someone out there looking for you?¡±

    A stab of hurt made her pause. What if nobody was looking for him? There was nobody looking for her. She took a deep breath, shoving the thought aside before continuing. ¡°You¡¯ll be okay either way.¡±

    Mattias set the jar back on the work bench.

    ¡°Do you have a name?¡± Cora asked as the boy¡¯s face began to relax.

    ¡°Marin,¡± he answered, his voice a whisper.

    ¡°Marin,¡± she repeated. ¡°Do you have a Shield?¡±

    ¡°M-my sister¡­ Sienna.¡± His eyes closed and Cora had to listen close to hear the name.

    ¡°Siena,¡± she repeated, looking up at Mattias.

    He glanced at the sky, slowly growing lighter, then he motioned for her to follow him out of the room.

    She stood, then paused, looking back at the boy. His chest rose and fell in slow steady breaths, and his face looked relaxed. She followed Mattias from the room, coming to a stop at the table.

    ¡°He¡¯ll sleep for a while now,¡± the healer said, grabbing a cup from the shelves above the counter and filling it with water. ¡°You did well holding his attention and helping him calm down.¡± He handed it to Cora and turned to grab another one.

    She dropped into a chair and took a sip, unsure of how to respond.

    ¡°Have you decided what you are going to do?¡± he asked, joining her at the table.

    Cora stared at the cup in front of her and shrugged. Silence filled the space as she thought over her answer. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she said at last. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I have a place here,¡± she added when Mattias did not speak. ¡°I mean¡­ It¡¯s not like I have a family out there¡­ here or in the city¡­¡± She struggled to get the words out, her voice becoming quieter as she went. ¡°I think I would stay¡­ I don¡¯t know if there¡¯s a Shield out there for me¡­¡± The last part was more of a mumble. ¡°It¡¯s probably easier to just go back,¡± she said, raising her voice to a normal volume.

    ¡°What¡¯s easiest is not always what¡¯s best,¡± Mattias responded.

    Cora scrunched her brows at his response.

    ¡°Hey guys!¡± Seth cut through the conversation, stretching as he crossed the room. ¡°You¡¯re up early, Cora.¡±

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    She rolled her eyes and took another sip.

    ¡°The boy woke up,¡± Mattias responded. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t hear it.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Is he still up? How is he? Did you find out who he is?¡± He looked back at the door to the cot room as if expecting the boy to come walking out.

    ¡°Cora did,¡± Mattias said, nodding in her direction.

    ¡°You did?¡±

    She crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Well?¡± Seth pressed, grabbing a chair and sitting at the table.

    With a sigh, she answered. ¡°His name is Marin. He wants to find his sister, Sienna.¡±

    ¡°Is that all?¡± The disappointment in his voice irritated Cora.

    ¡°He was in pain, Seth,¡± she reminded him.

    ¡°I got him back to sleep,¡± Mattias added. ¡°We know who we need to find now.¡±

    Seth nodded. ¡°Alright. Want me to go find Idris and tell him?¡±

    ¡°No. He¡¯ll be back. I have work for you, both.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seth said with a sigh, getting up from his chair and grabbing a basket from the counter that had a cloth draped over the top. The smell that came when he uncovered it and set it on the table had Cora¡¯s mouth watering.

    Not long after, the sun lit the house and the smell of spices filled the air. Cora stood at the counter chopping up vegetables, or trying to. Every time she sliced off a piece, it went flying across the counter. She had finally taken a towel and rolled it up to catch the pieces before they landed on the floor. When the first knock of the day came to the front door she turned to watch, grateful for the distraction.

    Seth jumped up from the table where he had been mixing dough for noodles and ran to answer.

    ¡°Matt,¡± he called, ¡°Idris is back.¡±

    The healer emerged from the cot room, a scowl on his face. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that.¡±

    Seth ignored him.

    ¡°How is the boy?¡± Idris asked, meeting Mattias in the middle of the room.

    ¡°He¡¯s stable. He woke early this morning and talked to Cora a bit.¡±

    All eyes turned to her and Cora backed against the counter, wishing she could disappear. When no one spoke, she opened her mouth and forced words out. ¡°Um. His name is Marin¡­ He is looking for his sister, Sienna¡­¡± When no one reacted she added, ¡°That¡¯s all he said, really.¡±

    ¡°That is helpful,¡± Idris said. ¡°Now we know who to look for.¡±

    ¡°Did you find Maya and Rio?¡± Seth asked.

    ¡°I did. They will meet us here,¡± he answered.

    ¡°Alright, Seth finish up so we can clear the table. I¡¯ll grab the map.¡± Mattias crossed the room to the side that had the cushions and pulled a rolled up piece of paper from one of the shelves on the wall.

    Seth lifted the ball of dough and dropped it into Cora¡¯s hands. ¡°Here. It can sit on the counter for a bit.¡± Then he took a wet rag and wiped down the table top just before Mattias unrolled the paper. The map took up the entire table and Cora could not resist the pull of curiosity, stepping up to the table for a closer look.

    On one side, a port was marked with little shadows of ships over blue that stretched from top to bottom. The other side looked like flat desert all the way to another border of blue. At the top and bottom of the map, little points clustered together to look like mountains.

    ¡°Is this Phaedra?¡± she asked without thinking.

    ¡°It is,¡± Mattias said. This is the city.¡± He pointed to the center of the map where lines crisscrossed around blocks like a maze.

    Everything shared versions of beige, gold, and brown colors, with the exception of the blue borders, and a splash of colors between the port and the city.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± she asked, creeping forward to look more closely.

    ¡°That¡¯s the market,¡± Seth answered. The excitement in his voice did not at all match her image of a market. Nor did the colors that marked its spot on the map. That¡¯s probably where Marin will end up if they don¡¯t find his sister, she told herself. At least, that¡¯s what would happen back in the city. She glanced up at Mattias and his words rang over her thoughts. ¡°There are no rats in Phaedra¡­ Nobody here goes without a home or basic needs.¡±

    ¡°What happens if you don¡¯t find her?¡± she challenged, trying to keep the worry out of her voice.

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they?¡± Seth asked.

    ¡°If he has no one, we will take him to live with Gabe and Marian. They take in kids who have no one,¡± Mattias answered, holding her gaze.

    Cora gave a tiny nod and stepped back to set the dough on the counter. She crossed her arms over her chest and threw a look at the cot room when another knock came at the door. It opened before anyone could get to it and an older woman walked in with the confidence of someone who lived there. Her green cloak was the same dark color of the trees that Cora and Seth had passed on their way to the cave, and her hair was a mix of gray and turquoise. Behind her, a man followed closely. Wavy golden hair fell around his face and his blue eyes shone with what looked like excitement. He shut the door behind them and they joined the others at the table.

    ¡°Good morning Mattias, Seth, Idris.¡± The woman spoke loud and clear as she addressed everyone. When her eyes landed on Cora her brows rose. ¡°And who is this?¡± Her eyes were an unsettling shade of gold and she way she looked at Cora was as if she were a puzzle to be solved.

    ¡°This is Cora. She¡¯s a friend of Seth, staying with us for the time being,¡± Mattias answered.

    The woman nodded, not taking her eyes off Cora. ¡°I see. Good morning, Cora.¡± When she finally looked away, Cora felt like she could breathe again. ¡°So, who are we looking for?¡±

    ¡°There is a missing Shield,¡± Mattias explained, glancing toward the cot room. ¡°Her name is Sienna. Her brother is here.¡± He motioned for them to follow him into the cot room.

    Cora turned her attention to the map, wondering about Marin and where he had come from.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Maya announced their return after a very short time, loud enough to snap Cora out of her wondering. ¡°We will start in the market near the harbor.¡±

    When she had indicated the area she was talking about on the map, Idris spoke up. ¡°I will take the central shops and move out from there.¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Maya said. ¡°We will meet back here before rounds.¡±

    The man beside her caught Cora¡¯s eye with a grin as he nodded his agreement. Around his neck, a golden band like the one she had seen on Delta¡¯s wrist stood out, catching the sunlight.

    Without waiting for confirmation, Maya and the man disappeared out the door.

    ¡°Idris,¡± Mattias said, catching the other man¡¯s attention as he headed for the door. ¡°While you¡¯re out, do you mind asking about a Shield as well?¡±

    He nodded and turned back to face them. ¡°Of course. Do you have someone in mind?¡±

    Mattias shook his head. ¡®Maybe Isla will know someone.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I will ask.¡± He shot a glance at Cora before turning back to the door.

 The Options

    ¡°So? What are you going to do?¡± Seth asked, sitting himself on the cushion beside Cora. They had been waiting the better half of the day for the others to return from their search.

    Cora kept her eyes on the map, taking a bite of the bread roll in her hand. After they had finished preparing the ingredients for the stew, Mattias had rolled up the map to put it away and Cora had stepped out of her comfort zone to ask to see it. She had spread it out in the center of the arranged cushions. Its features were fascinating, unlike anything she had ever seen. ¡°I already told Mattias.¡±

    Seth huffed. ¡°Well? What did you tell him?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the nosiest person I¡¯ve ever met,¡± she said, finally looking at him.

    He grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not.¡± Cora looked back at the map. ¡°What¡¯s up here?¡± She pointed toward the top of the map, on the other side of a line of dark pointed things.

    ¡°That¡¯s the northern mountain ridge. I don¡¯t think anyone really knows what¡¯s beyond it.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± She leaned down to look closer, as if she might be able to see what was there if she looked hard enough¡­ she couldn¡¯t. ¡°I told him I want to stay,¡± she finally answered, straightening her back and stretching it until it popped.

    ¡°Hah! I knew it! That¡¯s why Matt told Idris to ask around the market!¡± Seth bounced on his cushion.

    ¡°Stop calling me that.¡± The healer¡¯s voice came from the other side of the room and they both turned in time to see him wiping his hands on the rag. ¡°Marin is awake,¡± he commented.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Cora said.

    ¡°How is he?¡± Seth asked at the same time.

    ¡°In pain, but healing,¡± Mattias answered.

    A hard knock at the door stole their attention and Seth jumped up to open it. He gasped as Maya and Rio walked in, a girl between them with her head down, black hair covering her face.

    ¡°You found her!¡± Seth announced.

    ¡°We did,¡± Maya answered, her tone flat.

    Tension rolled off them in waves as they crossed the room in silence. Maya led the way into the cot room followed by the girl. Rio did not bother going with them, taking a seat at the table instead.

    ¡°That was fast,¡± Seth remarked, taking the seat beside him.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t hard,¡± Rio answered with a smile. His voice was much lighter than the deep baritone Cora had expected based on his height.

    ¡°Where was she?¡± Seth pressed.

    ¡°Down by the docks.¡±

    Maya emerged from the cot room, flipping one shoulder of her cloak behind her. ¡°I¡¯m done. Someone else can deal with them.¡±

    ¡°Why? What happened?¡± Seth asked.

    ¡°That girl thought she could leave her responsibility behind and run away to the islands.¡± She shook her head. ¡°We found her at the docks, sick as death.¡±

    ¡°I will go check on her then. Thank you for your help,¡± Mattias said.

    ¡°Good for you. I¡¯m done dealing with them.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re just kids,¡± Seth pointed out.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Maya turned her scowl on him. ¡°Then you deal with them.¡±

    Mattias paused halfway between the table and the room where the children waited. ¡°We will.¡±

    Rio stood and put a hand on her arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go home,¡± he suggested.

    When she met his eyes, her expression softened slightly. She nodded and the scowl returned when she addressed Mattias. ¡°Don¡¯t call us unless you need us.¡±

    Mattias smiled. ¡°Agreed.¡±

    She stalked to the door, Rio right behind her, and flung it open. ¡°It¡¯s about time,¡± she commented, waiting for Idris to enter before she and Rio left.

    ¡°Why is she so angry?¡± Cora asked. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t she be glad they found the missing girl?¡± The woman¡¯s mood had shifted so much since the time they had left in the morning, Cora wondered if something had happened while they searched.

    Seth shrugged. ¡°Maya doesn¡¯t have a lot of patience. Don¡¯t take it personal.¡±

    Cora frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mattias slip into the cot room.

    ¡°Maya is one of the gifted, remember? She can teleport. I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s probably how they got here if the girl was so sick. It takes a lot of energy to use magic,¡± Seth explained.

    ¡°Where did they find her?¡± Idris asked, pausing on his way to follow Mattias.

    ¡°By the docks,¡± Seth answered.

    Idris nodded but said nothing, heading toward the cot room..

    ¡°Are the other gifted like that?¡± Cora asked, keeping her voice low. If the most powerful in Phaedra were also short tempered, that could make them dangerous.

    Seth laughed. ¡°No. You¡¯ve already met Matt and Idris, and Felicity is probably the sweetest person in the whole world. It¡¯s just Maya who has a short fuse.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± She glanced toward the front door, thinking over the way Maya had acted, and wondering how she treated Rio. He seems happy¡­

    Mattias announced his return with a deep sigh.

    ¡°How are they?¡± Idris asked, meeting him at the other side of the table.

    The healer shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s been a long day for both of them. I¡¯m going to let them rest and we¡¯ll get things straightened out tomorrow.¡± He turned his attention to Cora. ¡°I can set up an extra cot for you to use but it won¡¯t be a long-term solution. I don¡¯t have room for permanent guests.¡±

    She hesitated before answering. ¡°Okay¡­¡± Being put on the spot always messed her up.

    ¡°Alright. Come with me.¡± He did not wait for her to agree before heading toward the door to the other room.

    She resisted the urge to look at Seth to see his reaction. Instead, she followed Mattias in silence.

    The room was just as bright as the one with the cots, with two sky windows letting the sun light in. Two single beds sat against opposite walls. One had a blanket spread neatly across it, partially covering a small pillow. The other looked like its blanket had been balled up and tossed from across the room.

    ¡°Here.¡± Mattias regained her attention as he pulled down a large basket from a shelf on the third wall. ¡°You can have one of these.¡±

    She took the basket and set it on the floor, crouching next to it to open the lid. Inside were blankets in every color she could think of, each folded neatly in a row. A silent ¡°wow¡±, left her as she moved her hand across them.

    Mattias paused in the doorway, a large bundle under one arm. ¡°Take your time.¡±

    Cora did not respond, her attention focused instead on the basket of soft rolled up blankets in front of her. What reason could there possibly be for someone to have so many? Back in the city they were a hot commodity, especially during the cold season. Before she could pick one out, Seth came bounding in, interrupting her thoughts.

    She paused to look at him. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°We said we would help you find a Shield, right?¡± The smile he wore grew wider as he waited for her to respond.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said slowly, crossing her arms.

    ¡°Idris could be your shield. If you want,¡± Seth announced.

    ¡°What?¡± It took a moment to process what he had said.

    ¡°It would be perfect,¡± he went on as if she hadn¡¯t said anything. ¡°You already know each other so you don¡¯t have to find someone new.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± was all she could think to say.

    ¡°So? What do you think?¡± Seth pressed when she did not comment further.

    Cora frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± His intensity made it hard to think.

    ¡°Seth.¡± Mattias came to stand in the doorway, gaining their attention, and she felt some of the pressure lift. ¡°That¡¯s enough. It¡¯s not your offer to make.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡± He stopped, then added, ¡°I got excited that¡¯s all.¡±

    He ignored Seth, turning to Cora instead. ¡°Would you like to talk to him?¡±

    Cora gave a shrug, careful to keep her expression blank. ¡°I guess¡­¡±

    She thought she saw the shadow of a smile on his face. ¡°Alright, come on, Seth. Give her some space.¡± He waited until Seth had gone out to speak to Cora, keeping his voice low. ¡°The decision can wait another night. Think about it.¡± Then he disappeared, leaving her alone.

    Cora sat back, her stomach twisting into a knot. Delta¡¯s warning joined the questions spinning in her mind. Would it be better to try and find a stranger? It would be easier to go back to the city instead. The memory of snow covered streets and freezing wet clothes had her second guessing that option as well. Her gaze drifted up to the window and the clear blue sky on the other side.

    Finally, she hauled herself up off the floor and gritted her teeth. Mind made up, she squared her shoulders and headed for the door.

 The Choice

    Cora stepped out into the main room, arms crossed and heart pounding. ¡°Hey,¡± she said, taking a step toward the table.

    All eyes turned to her and she hesitated.

    ¡°Seth. Come with me to check on Marin.¡± Mattias stood and waited for Seth to join him. ¡°You can go talk over there.¡± He indicated the far side of the room where the cushions sat.

    Cora said nothing, watching them disappear into the other room. She hesitated before turning back toward the table, heart beginning to pound a nervous beat in her chest. How was she supposed to start this conversation?

    Idris did it for her. ¡°I understand you need a shield,¡± he said, standing.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± She folded her arms across her chest, and turned away, eyes studying the shelf above the cushions. If I want to stay here¡­

    ¡°If you want to come with me, I can be your shield,¡± he offered.

    They came to a stop in the middle of the circle of cushions and Cora finally met his eyes, crossing her arms. ¡°What exactly does a shield do?¡± If I don¡¯t like the answer then that¡¯s it. I¡¯ll go back. The level of difficulty that came with the decision she had to make was becoming frustrating.

    ¡°When a person becomes a Shield, he or she makes a promise to protect, honor, and care for a person without magic,¡± Idris explained.

    Cora kept her arms crossed and let her eyes wander around the room. She had heard of the word honor before, but its meaning had been misty and vague.

    ¡°What¡¯s the catch?¡± she asked.

    ¡°The catch?¡± he repeated.

    ¡°Yeah. The catch. Like what do you get in return.¡± There was no way that having someone as a Shield came without a price. Nothing was without a price.

    Idris was silent for a moment before answering. ¡°When you accept someone as your Shield, the promise you make is to trust, honor, and obey that person.¡±

    She bristled at the answer. ¡°That¡¯s a lot to ask.¡± She thought about the way Mattias had treated her. He had asked for nothing aside from some help, and that was in exchange for her living in his house.

    ¡°What if I don¡¯t accept?¡± she asked, tring another angle.

    ¡°Then I imagine they will look for someone else, or take you home.¡± His answer was simple and easy.

    ¡°Right.¡± She couldn¡¯t think of a better question. There was no one, in this world or the other, she would have trusted with a secret much less her life. Of the limited options she had, this one seemed the most preferable but also the most risky. She took a deep breath and blew it out. ¡°Fine.¡± Out of arguments, she turned her attention to Mattias and Seth returning from the cot room.

    ¡°I want to talk to Mattias.¡± She hid her own surprise in the declaration, crossing the room without looking back. \

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    ¡°What are you gonna do?¡± Seth asked as soon as she reached them.

    ¡°What if I say no?¡± She ignored Seth, demanding the answer again, this time from Mattias.

    He stood at the coutner, rinsing out a cloth. ¡°We keep looking for a Shield or you go back to the city. You can¡¯t stay here forever.¡±

    ¡°And if I say yes?¡± she asked, more quietly than before.

    He answered without looking at her. ¡°You go with Idris.¡±

    ¡°You trust him?¡± She snapped her mouth shut, wishing she hadn¡¯t asked the question. The building stress twisted her stomach into knots.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Seth started.

    Mattias turned to meet her eyes, a look she didn¡¯t recognize in his own. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Did he know how she felt? His answer held none of the judgment she had expected. Maybe he hadn¡¯t noticed her slip up. She took a deep breath and continued. They would tire of the questions soon, of this she was certain. A sting came with that knowledge. She kept going anyway, determined to test their sincerity. Behind her she heard movement until out of the corner of her eye she saw Idris come to stand with them.

    ¡°What about what Delta said?¡± She held her focus on Mattias.

    ¡°What did Delta say?¡± Seth asked, his voice much louder than it needed to be.

    ¡°Delta is in a difficult situation,¡± the healer answered with a sigh, ignoring Seth. He stepped up to the table. ¡°Her experience is not the norm. If you want to go back, Seth and I will take you to the portal tomorrow.¡± He paused and glanced behind her. ¡°If you want to stay then stay. No one is going to force you to make one choice over another.¡±

    His words brought to mind their conversation the other day. ¡°All I can do is offer a better choice.¡±

    Cora closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steeling herself for the choice she had made. Slowly, she turned to face Idris. ¡°I accept your offer.¡±

    With a nod, he reached under the cloak he wore and produced a bag.

    Cora watched, aticipation building as she second guessed the decidsion she had jsut made. Butterflies battered the inside of her stomach and she made the mistake of glancing at Seth who met her eyes with a wide grin.

    Isris pulled a cloak, the same dark brown as the one he wore, from the bag and handed it to her. ¡°Try it on.¡±

    She took it, examining the surprisingly lightweight material. It looked like it would be too small, but when she draped it over her shoulders it fit perfectly. Had it adjusted to her size, or was she smaller than she thought? Was this magic?

    It was warm and soft, flowing around her like a protective blanket. She spun in a slow circle, watching its edges ripple out. When she stopped, three sets of eyes watched her, and her face heated up.

    ¡°It fits,¡± Seth commented, the smile still on his face.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Idris agreed. He pulled a gold band from the bag next, similar to the ones she had seen on Delta and the boy. ¡°Here.¡± He held out a hand and waited.

    Cora swallowed down the knot that had made its way to her throat. The feeling that this would be a point of no return filled her with worry. She took in a deep breath, steeling herself against the nervousness she felt, and then put her hand in his.

    ¡°As your shield, I promise to protect, honor, and care for you as long as we are paired.¡± He looked up to meet her eyes.

    Cora¡¯s face and neck felt hot and she fought against a sudden urge to run away. She had come too far to back out now. With another slow breath, she looked down at their hands and the gold band. ¡°I promise to trust, honor, and obey, as long as we are paired.¡± She repeated his ending with a voice just above a whisper, and then held her breath. They¡¯re just words, she reminded herself.

    To her surprise, a golden light appeared, circling the metal band as Idris slid it over her hand and arm. It tightened around her upper arm and the light lingered for a moment before disappearing just as suddenly as it had appeared.

    Seth clapped his hands together, making her jump, and she glared at him.

    When she turned to Mattias, he was smiling. ¡°Go home and rest. We will see you back here tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Cora turned back to Idris who met her eyes. ¡°Are you ready to go?¡± he asked.

    She nodded, and turned away from the table. As ready as I''ll ever be. Her insides squirmed as Idris walked behind her to the door, and she slipped out into the evening without saying goodbye.

 The Shield

    Warm air buffeted Cora¡¯s cloak as she walked. It brushed against her ankles with each step. The streets were nearly bare with groups of two and three walking along together, a far cry from the city where merchants shouted from their stands to the crowds of shoppers that filled the streets.

    ¡°I have to make my rounds before we go home,¡± Idris said.

    ¡°Ok,¡± Cora answered, unsure whether it was a question or a challenge. ¡°What are rounds?¡± She had heard Mattias talk about doing rounds but he had never explained what that meant either.

    Idris glanced at her. ¡°It¡¯s an evening patrol to make sure everyone is safe before the Shadow-Walkers come out,¡± he explained.

    Cora stared at the ground ahead of them for a moment, thinking over his answer. ¡°They only come out at night?¡± If that was the case, why had they made a big deal over Delta?

    Idris shook his head. ¡°They are always out, but dawn and dusk are the times they are most active.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Cora said. She peered down a side street as they passed. ¡°Does everybody have rounds?¡± she asked when they were past the side street.

    ¡°No. It is the responsibility of the Gifted to make sure the people are safe.¡± He slowed as they came up to a crossroad.

    ¡°You and Mattias and Maya?¡± Cora guessed.

    A cool breeze drifted over them, bringing with it a peculiar smell. ¡°What¡¯s ¡ª¡° Cora started. Before she could get the rest of the words out, a large shadowy figure rounded the corner.

    It¡¯s wavy limbs appeared opaque, like dense shadows, letting the slightest bit of light through as it drifted toward them, its body shrouded in the strange shadow. A growl emitted from somewhere near its center. Then it showed its teeth. Gleaming and long, they seemed to reflect what light caught in its shadow.

    Cora¡¯s heart jumped into her throat and she stumbled backward, unable to tear her eyes away from the monster. The words Shadow-Walker echoed in her mind.

    Idris stepped in front of her, blocking the monster¡¯s path. He raised a hand in the air and uttered words she couldn¡¯t understand.

    A sense of longing filled Cora, pushing away all other emotions. It pulled at her insides almost painfully, and in her mind an image flashed of dark spaces connected by tunnels.

    A bright light flashed in front of her, erasing the image and stinging her eyes. She blinked hard and scrubbed at her face with her hands. When she was able to see around the spots in her vision, the monster was gone.

    ¡°Cora, are you alright?¡± Idris turned to face her, concern etched on his face. He put a hand on each of her shoulders and gave a squeeze.

    She nodded and answered in a breath. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± He let one hand fall from her shoulder and looked around. ¡°We need to keep moving.¡±

    ¡°What was that?¡± she asked, though she already knew the answer.

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    Idris kept a hand on her shoulder as they started forward again. ¡°That was a Shadow-Walker.¡±

    Cora swallowed a lump in her throat. ¡°Oh.¡±

    They picked up the pace, turning at the crossroad and following it to the end where the only options were right, down another street, or left into what appeared to be open desert. Again, a rush of cool air hit her in the face, bringing with it the same smell as before.

    ¡°Again,¡± she heard Idris utter. He moved in front of her and raised a hand to meet the monster as it drifted in from the desert. In the dimming light, it almost looked like it had materialized out of thin air.

    Once more, the sense of longing took over and the dark image filled her mind.

    As soon as it had started, it was gone with the flash of light.

    Idris took her hand and pulled her along down the street. They came to a stop in front of a house with a rounded wooden door that set it apart from those around it. He pushed it open and ushered Cora inside, closing the door behind them.

    The inside of the house looked much like Mattias¡¯s. The table and chairs fit less people, and the cushions were fewer and larger, but the layout was the same; a large open room with two doors at the far end, and windows in the ceiling.

    Idris walked the room, lighting lanterns that hung on the walls.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked, turning back to Cora.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said. Then, looking at the door behind her she asked. ¡°Do they break into houses?¡± She imagined it would be fairly easy to do. None of the doors she had seen had locks on them.

    ¡°No,¡± Idris answered, heading for the table where he took his cloak off and draped it over the back of a chair. ¡°When the houses were built, they were imbued with magic. Shadow-walkers cannot enter.¡±

    ¡°Magic,¡± she said quietly, slowly heading toward the table.

    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± He opened one of the cabinet doors and pulled out two jars. One held dehydrated meats, and in the other was what looked like an assortment of dehydrated fruits. He set them on the table and opened the lids, pulling out a few pieces for himself.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she answered, helping herself. Whether she was or not, it was foolish to turn down food.

    Silence fell around them while they ate. Then Idris spoke up. ¡°I only have one bed. We will go to the market tomorrow and get one for you. In the meantime, you can use mine.¡±

    She studied the two doors, wondering which was the sleeping room and what the other room might be.

    He opened the door on the left, closest to them.

    Curiosity pushed her along and she followed him inside. Once again, a window in the ceiling revealed the night sky. Along one wall, a cot held a blanket the same color as the sandy streets, and a small lump she assumed was a pillow. A chest of drawers sat against the far wall and above it, she recognized a map of Phaedra. She found her eyes drawn once again to the mountains at the top of the map.

    ¡°Where are you going to sleep?¡± she asked, pulling her eyes away from the map. There wasn¡¯t much else in the room. A wooden chest with a domed top was the closest thing to furniture and it wasn¡¯t even the length of the cot. Though, she could imagine making a bed inside it if there was room. She had seen the smaller children sleeping in crates when they found empty ones.

    He motioned toward the door. ¡°I can use the cushions.¡±

    She scrunched her brow, thinking of the large colorful cushions. They would be comfortable enough. ¡°I can sleep there.¡± Without thinking, she took a step toward the door.

    ¡°No.¡± He moved into the way, his tone sharp.

    Cora bristled. Nobody spoke to her that way. Crossing her arms, she held her ground, eyes narrowed on the man blocking her way. ¡°Why not?¡±

    To her surprise, Idris let his shoulders fall and lowered his hands. He took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to scare you.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t scare me,¡± she argued, dropping her arms for emphasis. It would take more than that to scare her.

    Idris looked away. ¡°Mattias warned me¡­¡± he muttered, putting a hand to his head. Then he met Cora¡¯s eyes again. ¡°I am not going to argue with you, Cora. We will go to the market tomorrow. Until then, these will be the arrangements.¡±

    She stared as he slipped out the door, leaving it ajar. The sudden shift felt like mental whiplash. Why was he so insistent on her having the bed? No one insisted on kindness without a motive behind it. What had Mattias warned him about?

    The sound of the cushions shuffling reached her ears and she let out a sigh that immediately turned into a yawn. For one night, she could deal with these arrangements. She would ask her questions in the morning.

 The Market

    Cora stared up at the archway that was the entrance to the bustling market. Made of the same stone as the houses, it reached higher than any of the roofs and expanded into a slightly lower wall in both directions. Beneath the archway, shoppers passed in and out carrying baskets and bags.

    She had seen crowds before, they were everywhere in the city. People there were always busy, hurrying through the streets to get to their destinations. They pushed and shoved without a second thought to spare for those around them.

    As they neared the archway, Cora tensed, ready for unwanted contact. It would not catch her off guard like Seth had when they had arrived at the healer¡¯s house that morning. She had nearly screamed when he had greeted her with a hug. He had let go when she returned it with a fist to the side.

    Who greets people with hugs anyway? She thought to herself, grimacing at the memory of his expression.

    When they crossed into the marketplace, she was distracted from her thoughts by an assault on her senses.

    Voices filled the air beneath colorful tents and canopies as shoppers passed under them. They mingled with more smells than Cora could name, walking a fine line between exciting and nauseating.

    The colors overhead filtered the sun¡¯s light, making the market an odd sort of rainbow. The stands beneath them looked almost as colorful, boasting wares from clothes to food.

    She slowed to watch as a group of three women wearing cloaks of pale green, their hoods down, stopped at a food stand. They chattered animatedly, the one in the middle using her hands for emphasis. To her surprise, the stand worker greeted them with a smile and seemed to be in no rush to get them out of the way.

    The whole interaction felt odd to watch as the shoppers took their time picking out the things they wanted. Back in the city, the stand workers hurried shoppers along so that they could make the next sale. This group of women would have been considered a nuisance, almost as much as the rats that stole to live.

    She would have used a group like that, following them in the shadows. While they distracted the shop workers and pulled attention toward them, she would be able to take what she needed without being noticed.

    ¡°Cora,¡± Idris called, pulling her attention from the woman at the stand.

    She turned away from the stand with the chatty women to see him standing a short distance away. The crowd around him parted and she felt eyes on her as she closed the distance between them. ¡°What?¡± she asked, coming to a stop in front of him.

    ¡°It would be too easy to get lost here,¡± he said. His eyes flicked toward the stand and back. ¡°Are you hungry?¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°Just watching.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡± Idris said.

    The eyes she felt watching from all sides made her tense and she fixed her face into a glare to look around as they started walking again. Being watched was never a good thing.

    They moved further into the market, the crowd lessened, though she could still feel eyes on her.

    ¡°Here,¡± Idris said, stepping under a large sky blue tent, held up by pillars of stone and filled with clothing. Everything from cloaks to shoes filled the space, some with intricate designs and others simple and plain.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there!¡± a voice called from behind a rack of shelves that stretched from floor to tent. Rustling noises grew into shuffling and then a woman emerged, taller than Cora with dangling earrings and black hair pulled back into a messy bun. A white cloak draped over her shoulders, embroidered in waves of blue.

    When her eyes landed on Idris and Cora, her face lit up in a smile. ¡°Idris!¡± She hurried over and wrapped him in a hug. Then she stepped back and looked him over, speaking with excitement. ¡°It has been too long, little brother. How have you been?¡±

    ¡°Hello Isla,¡± he responded. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you too.¡±

    Cora crossed her arms when the woman¡¯s attention turned to her. ¡°You are a Shield,¡± she said, her voice soft.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Idris replied. ¡°Cora, this is my sister, Isla.¡±

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    ¡°I always knew you would make an excellent shield,¡± the woman said, her smile unwavering. ¡°It is a pleasure to meet you, Cora.¡±

    For the second time that day, Cora was engulfed in a hug. This time she held still, unsure how to react. A punch to the ribs did not seem appropriate. She cleared her throat when the woman let go and responded with a quiet, ¡°You too.¡±

    ¡°How long has it been?¡± she demanded, turning back to Idris.

    ¡°Only a day,¡± he answered.

    She clapped her hands together. ¡°Well, I am glad you came to see me. What can I get for you?¡± she asked Cora.

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Cora felt her face heating up. She had never imagined simply asking someone for what she wanted and expecting anything short of a swift kick back into the street.

    ¡°Clothes,¡± Idris answered when she did not. ¡°She was staying with Mattias and has nothing.¡±

    A moment of silence passed while Isla stared at her brother. Then she turned to Cora. ¡°Come with me, and I¡¯ll get you set up with everything you need.¡±

    Cora scrunched her brow wondering what she meant by everything. Reluctantly, she followed the woman across the shop, feeling more overwhelmed as they went.

    Isla moved along one rack and then to the next, pulling out clothes as she went and passing them to Cora until her arms were full. Then she led the way to a counter at the back. ¡°Set it all down here and I¡¯ll get a bag for you,¡± she said, tapping the counter with painted nails.

    Cora dropped the clothes and aimed a scowl down at them. ¡°I don¡¯t need this¡­¡± she grumbled the thought under her breath.

    The pile of clothes lay there in front of her, a sign of wealth she would never have.

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Isla said, laying a bag on the counter and putting the clothes inside. ¡°Everyone should have nice things to wear.¡±

    Cora rolled her eyes to hide her surprise and slipped a hand out from inside her cloak to take the bag. Its weight felt uncomfortable when she slung it over her shoulder to rest against her back. ¡°Thanks¡­¡± she mumbled.

    ¡°Thank you, Isla,¡± Idris said.

    ¡°Come back and see me again. Soon.¡± She gave Idris a meaningful look.

    He smiled. ¡°We will.¡± Then he put a hand on Cora¡¯s free shoulder and she gladly walked with him out of the shop.

    Back in the street, she took a deep breath. She hadn¡¯t realized how out of breath she felt until she was no longer under the tent, surrounded by racks of clothes.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Idris asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she replied, adjusting the bag. ¡°Where next?¡±

    ¡°Next, we will get you a bed and then we have to stop by Gabe and Marian¡¯s place,¡± he explained while they walked.

    She sighed, her mind going back to that morning.

    They had arrived at the healer¡¯s house first thing. Cora had passed on food in her eagerness to get there and see how the boy was doing. He and his sister were both doing much better. Cora had been unable to hide her surprise when she saw them, sitting at the table eating.

    Someone bumped her, snapping Cora out of her thoughts and knocking her bag from her shoulder. She turned to look for the person who had bumped into her and found a woman with long dark curls and a painted face. Her cloak was deep blue and slung over one shoulder, revealing a white dress embroidered with gold stars.

    ¡°Oh dear, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she said, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to bump into you.¡±

    Cora ground her teeth and lifted the bag back over her shoulder. ¡°Yeah right.¡±

    She felt Idris¡¯ hand return to her shoulder and then the woman shifted her gaze to Cora¡¯s Shield.

    ¡°Idris! Have you finally agreed to become a Shield?¡± she asked, her eyes wide.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he responded.

    ¡°I thought you never would,¡± she said, reaching up to play with the end of her hair. ¡°What made you change your mind?¡±

    Cora was keenly aware of the movement of the people around them, slowing to watch the interaction. She bristled at the feeling of eyes on her.

    ¡°I have my reasons,¡± he said.

    Cora glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. She had not thought to ask why when he had offered to be her Shield.

    The woman crossed her arms. ¡°Well, you are one lucky girl,¡± she said, eyes scrutinizing Cora¡¯s face. Something about her expression put Cora on edge.

    ¡°We have to keep moving,¡± Idris said.

    ¡°Oh of course. Have a nice day then. I¡¯ll see you around.¡± The woman waved a hand and then turned, disappearing into the moving shoppers.

    As they turned to continue on their path, Cora¡¯s mind swam with questions. ¡°Who was that?¡± she asked when they had put several stands between them and the woman.

    ¡°Her name is Brandy,¡± he answered. ¡°She used to be friends with Isla.¡±

    ¡°Used to?¡± Cora asked.

    ¡°When we were kids,¡± he clarified. ¡°They do not see eye to eye and had a falling out a long time ago.¡±

    They came to a stop at a yellow tent situated near the wall of the market, and Idris steered them inside.

    A man looked up from his seat near the entrance and immediately stood, setting down the cushion he was stitching with needle and thread. ¡°Hello!¡± he greeted in an unnecessarily loud voice. ¡°Idris, what brings you here today?¡± he asked. His eyes fell on Cora and his smile widened. ¡°Who is this?¡±

    ¡°Hello, Dean. This is Cora,¡± Idris answered. ¡°She needs a new bedroll.¡±

    The man turned toward a stand near where he had been sitting. ¡°You¡¯ve come to the right place then.¡± The stand displayed colorful rolls of thick fabric. ¡°These are some of my best. Take your pick.¡±

    Cora stared at the display, reaching out to touch the nearest one. It looked far softer than the cot in the healer¡¯s house, the seam embroidered in a pattern that looked like waves. ¡°This one, I guess¡­¡± even her whisper sounded too loud in her ears.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got it!¡± the man said

    ¡°I¡¯ll carry it,¡± Idris said, stepping forward to pick it up from the stand. ¡°They¡¯re heavy.¡±

    ¡°Do you need anything else?¡± the man asked, looking Cora over.

    She adjusted the bag on her shoulder and kept her voice hard and her answer short. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Idris said with a nod.

    ¡°Of course. Anything for you, Idris.¡± The man walked with them toward the entrance to the tent and waved as they walked away.

    Cora peered at Idris out of the corner of her eye.

    The entrance to the market was only a few stands away and when they passed under the archway, she felt like she could breathe again.

 The Home

    Cora walked down the street in silence, stealing glances at Idris. Curiosity ate at her as she replayed the interactions in the market. He had said they traded instead of using money, but he had not given either of the stand workers anything. She uttered her question in a whisper, not really looking for the answer. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Idris asked, looking over at her.

    ¡°What did you trade in the market?¡± she asked, glad he had not heard her whispered thought.

    He hesitated a few paces, facing forward again. ¡°I have helped rebuild most of the stands in the market,¡± he finally said.

    Cora frowned down at the stone street. Overhead the sun beat down from the center of the sky, unobscured by clouds. When they stepped under a shadow, her heart jumped and she looked up expecting to see a monster. Instead, a building stood in front of them, taller than the houses, its roof just over the market wall.

    ¡°What is this place?¡± she asked when Idris knocked on the door.

    ¡°This is the home of Gabe and Marian,¡± he answered.

    ¡°This is a home?¡± It had to be double the height of the rest of the houses in Phaedra, and it was definitely wider. She took a step back, anxiety twisting her stomach.

    ¡°Cora?¡± A look of concern crossed his face when Idris turned to her.

    Before she could say anything, the door opened to reveal an older man with gray hair, slumping shoulders, and bags under his eyes. He looked more like a servant than a wealthy homeowner. He straightened and his face lit up when he saw them. ¡°Idris,¡± he said, ushering them inside.

    ¡°Hello Gabe.¡± Idris waited for Cora before crossing the threshold into the house.

    She crossed her arms and adjusted the bag on her shoulder, following him inside. The house looked nothing like either of the other homes she had been in.

    The large space on the first floor was broken up by a wooden staircase in the middle, leading up to the next level. The ceiling was made of long wooden boards, and she could hear footsteps shuffling around overhead, accompanied by several voices. On the other side of the stairs, a round table, much larger than the ones she had seen and surrounded by a mess of chairs, sat in front of a counter that stretched along the wall. To the right, the wooden beams that supported the walls and ceiling curved to meet in an arch, creating a doorway to another room, this one with a circular rug decorated in small toys. She spotted cushions at the other end of the dimly lit room.

    When she looked back, the man met her eyes in a smile. ¡°Welcome,¡± he said, moving away from the door. ¡°Come in, come in.¡± He motioned toward the room with the toys on the floor and hurried over to light a lamp she had not noticed hanging from the ceiling.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Idris responded, setting the bed roll he had been carrying down beside the door. He followed the man into the next room, navigating the minefield of toys with ease.

    Cora followed close behind, unnerved by the strange that she could not connect with anything she had experienced. It matched neither the houses she had seen in Phaedra, nor the mansions in the city. Not even the apartments she had watched above the city''s market shops matched this house.

    ¡°Gabe? Who¡¯s here?¡± A woman¡¯s voice sounded above the noise on the second level.

    ¡°It¡¯s Idris,¡± the man called back.

    ¡°Oh!¡± With a clatter, a woman appeared at the top of the steps. She adjusted a toddler on her hip before descending. ¡°Hello,¡± she greeted with a smile that reached her eyes. ¡°Welcome back. It has been such a long time.¡±

    She stood tall beside the man, gray streaked black hair pulled back into a tight bun. A short sleeved dress revealed part of a scar that ran down to her elbow on her free arm. It stood out to Cora in contrast to the image of the older couple.

    ¡°Hello, Marian,¡± Idris replied.

    ¡°Who is this?¡± she asked, adjusting the child on her hip and turning her attention to Cora. Blue eyes looking her over as if assessing her for something.

    ¡°This is Cora,¡± Idris responded.

    The woman nodded to her. ¡°It¡¯s very nice to meet you, Cora. What can we do for you?¡± She pointed the question to Idris.

    ¡°We came to ask if you have room for two more children,¡± Idris explained. ¡°Mattias is hosting a brother and sister who need a place to live.¡±

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    ¡°Oh no.¡± The woman put a hand to her chest. Her voice held more concern than Cora had expected. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°We are not sure. The brother is recovering from a Shadow-Walker attack.¡±

    ¡°Oh my¡­¡± the woman¡¯s reaction was quiet.

    ¡°They have no other family?¡± the man clarified.

    Idris shook his head. ¡°They have not been able to tell us what happened yet, but Mattias is working hard to heal them.¡±

    The woman nodded. ¡°Of course we can take them. No child should be without home and family.¡± She bounced the toddler on her hip, smiling when he giggled.

    Her words stabbed at Cora''s heart.

    ¡°How is Oceanus?¡± Idris asked, looking around as if he expected to see more people.

    ¡°Oh! He is doing well. He found a shield since you were last here.¡± The man turned to the woman who continued.

    ¡°Yes. Gabe had been taking him along to the market. He met a girl there, very sweet. Actually, you might know her family. She is Dean¡¯s youngest daughter.¡±

    Idris nodded.

    ¡°She came to visit a few times, before asking. I¡¯ve never seen him so happy.¡± The woman smiled, glancing toward the door.

    ¡°I am glad to hear it,¡± Idris responded.

    The woman sighed.

    ¡°How long do we have to prepare?¡± the man asked, changing the subject back to the children.

    ¡°A couple of days, I expect. The boy is recovering fast,¡± Idris answered.

    The woman smiled. ¡°Bring them over any time. We will be ready.¡± She narrowed her eyes in what looked like mock irritation. ¡°And make sure to tell Seth to come visit. It has been so long since we have seen him.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s been busy,¡± Idris said, throwing a quick glance to Cora. ¡°We will see that he gets the message.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± The man followed his gaze to Cora for a moment. ¡°We often think of him.¡±

    Idris nodded. ¡°We will be on our way then.¡±

    ¡°Would you like to stay for a meal? Lizzy and Bay brought us fish from their last journey and we have plenty to share,¡± Marian offered.

    Idris shook his head. ¡°Thank you, but we have to get going.¡± He motioned toward the door and Cora gladly led the way.

    She waited for him to pick up the bed roll, her hand on the door ready to open it.

    ¡°Idris¡­¡± The woman spoke up before they stepped outside. When they turned, her eyes flicked to Cora and back. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you¡¯re not alone.¡±

    As they walked the streets of Phaedra, heading back home, Cora stared hard at the ground trying to shake the discomfort she felt.

    So many times in her life she had wished for something like what she had just seen; for a family with enough heart to care about the rats living on the streets. It wasn¡¯t fair. The thoughts stewed in her mind, filling her with a mix of emotions that felt too big to contain. She gritted her teeth against them.

    Wen they came to a stop, she looked up, surprised to see the door to the house.

    Idris opened it and waited for her to go in, then followed and shut the door behind him. ¡°Go get changed, then we can rearrange the room and set up your bed.¡± He set the roll on the ground with a dull thud.

    Cora jumped at the chance to be alone and hurried across the house into the sleeping room. On the other side of the closed door, she dropped the bag of clothes on the bed and began rifling through them.

    When she heard shuffling on the other side of the door, she grabbed the first pieces of clothing her hands touched; a loose-fitting sleeveless dress with pockets in the sides and light colored pants that ended halfway down her calves.

    Carefully, she removed her cloak and laid it on the bed, running her hand over the soft fabric. Then she changed as quickly as she could before tossing the cloak back over her shoulders. It felt like a different kind of shield, one that she wore not only to protect against the heat and sand, but to hide from the watching eyes she always felt on her.

    She jumped at a knock on the door.

    ¡°Cora? Are you alright?¡± Idris asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she answered, grabbing the edges of the cloak together to pull it tightly around her shoulders. Then she let go and quickly shoved the rest of the new clothes into the bag. She took a slow breath before opening the door.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to wear that inside,¡± Idris commented when she exited the room.

    ¡°I like it.¡± She strode with purpose toward the counter in search of food, ignoring the feeling that he was watching her.

    ¡°We can set this up when you¡¯re ready.¡± He picked up the bedroll and carried it into the room.

    The closest she had come to a bed before now had been the pile of pilfered towels and sheets she had gathered in a crawlspace above a large store. The little nest had kept her warm through a good part of the winter, until her hiding place was discovered and raided.

    Now that she was being given a real bed, all she could think of were the kids left in the city. Winter was coming¡­

    She gritted her teeth against the pain in her chest, shoving food into her mouth to distract herself. It did not take long for her to feel full.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need one,¡± she said, coming to stand in the doorway of the sleeping room.

    Idris had the bedroll undone and lying out on the floor near the far wall. He paused to look at her, brow raised. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°That.¡± She pointed to the roll.

    His expression turned into a frown. ¡°You need a bed, Cora.¡±

    She crossed her arms. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± The argument sounded foolish even in her own ears. Before, she would have given anything for somewhere warm and dry and safe.

    He stood, eyes focused on her. ¡°Where do you plan on sleeping?¡±

    She glanced around the main room and her eyes fell on the cushions arranged on one side of the room. I¡¯ve had worse.

    Idris approached, and she took a step away. He followed her gaze and shook his head. ¡°No. You¡¯re not curling up on a cushion when you can have a bed.¡±

    She glared at him. ¡°Why not?¡±

    He looked back at her in silence for a moment before speaking again. ¡°Because¡ª¡°

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for it,¡± she exploded unwilling to hear whatever he had to say. ¡°I never asked for any of this.¡± She motioned to the clothes she wore, then to the room at large. ¡°I don¡¯t even belong here.¡±

    ¡°Cora¡­¡± he started.

    ¡°Just forget it!¡± she interrupted, storming past him and into the room. She slammed the door behind her and stood still, searching the smaller room ¡ª for what, she wasn¡¯t sure. What does he know of hunger or homelessness? Those things don¡¯t seem to exist here.

    Tears welled in her eyes against her will, and she crossed to the narrow space between the wall and the bed roll, sinking down to the floor to pull her knees to her chest. I should just go back to the city. The thought echoed loudly in her mind and added to the tightness constricting her chest.

 The Bed

    As they walked the streets of Phaedra, Cora stared hard at the ground trying to shake the discomfort she felt.

    So many times in her life she had wished for something like what she had just seen; for a family with enough heart to care about the rats living on the streets. It wasn¡¯t fair. The thoughts stewed in her mind, filling her with a mix of emotions that felt too big to contain. She gritted her teeth against them.

    When they came to a stop, she looked up, surprised to see the door to the house.

    Idris opened it and waited for her to enter before following and closing the door behind him. ¡°Go get changed, then we can rearrange the room and set up your bed.¡± He set the roll on the ground with a dull thud.

    Cora jumped at the chance to be alone and hurried across the house into the sleeping room. On the other side of the closed door, she dropped the bag of clothes on the bed and began rifling through them without really paying attention.

    When she heard shuffling on the other side of the door, she grabbed the first pieces of clothing her hands touched; a loose-fitting sleeveless dress with pockets in the sides and light colored pants that ended halfway down her calves.

    Carefully, she removed her cloak and laid it on the bed, running her hand over the soft fabric. Then she changed as quickly as she could before tossing the cloak back over her shoulders.

    The cloak felt like a different kind of shield, not only keeping the sand and dust and desert heat out, but also hiding her from the watching eyes of everyone they passed.

    She jumped at a knock on the door.

    ¡°Cora? Are you alright?¡± Idris asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she answered, pulling the edges of the cloak together so it was tight around her shoulders. Then she let go and grabbed the rest of the clothes, shoving them into the bag. She took a slow breath before opening the door.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to wear that inside,¡± Idris commented when she exited the room.

    ¡°I like it.¡± She strode with purpose toward the counter in search of food, ignoring the feeling that he was watching her.

    ¡°We can set this up when you¡¯re ready.¡± He picked up the bedroll and carried it into the room.

    The closest she had come to a bed before now had been the pile of pilfered towels and sheets she had gathered in a crawlspace above a large store. The little nest had kept her warm through a good part of the winter, until her hiding place was discovered and raided.

    Now that she was being given a real bed, all she could think of were the kids left in the city. Winter was coming¡­

    She gritted her teeth against the pain in her chest, shoving food into her mouth to distract herself. It did not take long for her to feel full.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need one,¡± she said, coming to stand in the doorway of the sleeping room.

    Idris had the bedroll undone and lying out on the floor near the far wall. He paused to look at her. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°That.¡± She pointed to the roll.

    His expression turned into a frown. ¡°You need a bed, Cora.¡±

    She crossed her arms. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± The argument sounded foolish even in her own ears. Before, she would have given anything for somewhere warm and dry and safe.

    He stood, eyes focused on her. ¡°Where do you plan on sleeping?¡±

    She glanced around the main room and her eyes fell on the cushions arranged on one side of the room.

    Idris approached, and she took a step away. He followed her gaze and shook his head. ¡°No. You¡¯re not curling up on a cushion when you have a bed.¡±

    She glared at him. ¡°Why not?¡±

    He looked back at her in silence for a long moment before speaking again. ¡°Because¡ª¡°

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for it,¡± she exploded unwilling to hear whatever he had to say. ¡°I never asked for any of this.¡± She motioned to the clothes she wore, then to the room at large. ¡°I don¡¯t even belong here.¡±

    ¡°Cora¡­¡± he started.

    ¡°Just forget it!¡± she interrupted, storming past him and into the room. She slammed the door behind her and stood still, searching the smaller room ¡ª for what, she didn¡¯t know.

    What does he know of hunger or homelessness? Those things don¡¯t seem to exist here, the cynical voice in the back of her mind noted.

    Tears welled in her eyes against her will, and she crossed to the narrow space between the wall and the bed roll, sinking down to the floor to pull her knees to her chest.

    I should just go back to the city. The thought echoed loudly in her mind, adding to the tightness constricting her chest. She rocked back against the wall and let her eyes close as the tears fell.

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    When she woke, the light overhead had shifted, casting half the room in shadow. She sat up and rubbed her dry eyes. She did not remember falling asleep.

    Standing with a sigh she glanced around the empty room. The bed roll still laid open on the floor and she stepped carefully over it, heading for the door. Slowly, she eased it open and slipped out into the main room.

    Idris sat at the table, leaning over a book, a pen in hand and a piece of dried fruit in his mouth. He pulled it out to speak without looking at her. ¡°Are you feeling better?¡±

    She swallowed hard, her throat dry. ¡°Yeah.¡± The word came out scratchy and quiet.

    ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡± he asked.

    She shook her head. ¡°No.¡±

    After a moment he turned to face her. ¡°Cora,¡± he started, closing the book. ¡°I made a promise to protect, honor, and care for you, and I intend to keep that promise, but you have to let me do so.¡±

    She crossed her arms and looked at the table, staring at the lines on the wooden surface rather than at him. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Why what?¡± he asked.

    She narrowed her eyes. ¡°Why me?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± he responded after a moment of silence.

    She shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s not an answer.¡±

    ¡°Because you needed someone,¡± he said.

    ¡°So? Lots of people need someone,¡± she argued.

    ¡°That may be, but it is you we are talking about.¡±

    She lifted her glare to him. ¡°I could have gone back.¡± I should go back.

    ¡°You could have,¡± he agreed. ¡°But you chose to stay.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± she demanded, looking around the room.

    ¡°Things happen for a reason, Cora.¡± He caught her gaze and held it with dark eyes. ¡°You are here for a reason.¡±

    She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. ¡°I don¡¯t know what reason you think that is, but you¡¯re wrong. Things don¡¯t happen for any reason other than bad luck. It could have been anyone.¡±

    ¡°Maybe where you¡¯re from, but not here.¡± He looked up to the window in the ceiling, then stood. ¡°I need to do rounds. Do you want to come along or stay here?¡±

    She stepped back and crossed her arms again, keeping her eyes on him.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± He headed for the door with a nod.

    She watched as he grabbed his cloak from a hook on the wall and threw it around his shoulders, then he disappeared, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

    Her stomach growled in the silence of the empty room and she headed for the counter where the jars of food sat.

    ¡°He¡¯s wrong¡­¡± she muttered, tossing her cloak back over one shoulder to get it out of the way. When she did, the metal band on her arm caught her eye.

    It seemed to shine even the dimming light of the room, reminding her of the promise she had made in return. She scoffed and reached into the nearest jar. ¡°It was all just words. It didn¡¯t mean anything.¡± As if in response to her words, a warm glow surrounded the piece of metal.

    She took a step back, eyes fixed on the strange light. Instead of the fear she knew she should be feeling, a sense of calm surrounded her. ¡°What is this?¡± The answer to her whispered question came into her mind before she had even finished asking. Magic.

    As quickly as it had come, the light faded away, leaving behind the lingering sense of calm.

    Cora¡¯s legs carried her to the table where she sank into a chair. She tore a bite off the dried meat she held without thinking.

    The book Idris had been writing in caught her eye and she reached over to slide it across the table. Its cover felt like old leather, worn and soft. She opened it and began to flip through the pages, unable to read the words that were written there. A few pages in, she stopped.

    A map was drawn across both pages. The area was shaped like a large uneven crescent moon and filled with a maze of rectangles and squares.

    ¡°Is this the marketplace?¡± she wondered out loud.

    The rounded edge, drawn along the bottom of the pages, looked like it might be the entrance gate. She ran her finger along the lines that crisscrossed the map, trying to picture where they had gone. At the top of the pages, the line that curved in was filled with ridges and little oval shapes. On the map she had seen at Mattias¡¯s house, that edge looked like water, with boats traveling between the mainland and what appeared to be small islands.

    She turned the page, curious about what else she might find. The next two pages were filled with writing, and so were the ones after that. Turning the page again, she found another map. This one she recognized as the city of Phaedra. Several of the houses had little stars drawn on them.

    ¡°Do you know where that is?¡±

    Cora jumped in her seat and slammed the book shut, heart pounding. ¡°Wha¡ª¡± She looked up to see Idris standing by the table, watching her. She hadn¡¯t heard him return. ¡°You¡¯re back.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered, glancing at the book on the table. ¡°It¡¯s alright. You can look through it.¡±

    Cora slid her hands under her cloak. If this was a test, she was not going to take part.

    He reached out and opened the book to the page she had been lost in. ¡°You¡¯ve seen this before.¡±

    She nodded and answered in spite of herself. ¡°It¡¯s the city.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± He pointed to one of the starred houses, close to the outside edge. ¡°We are here.¡± Then he pointed to another starred house nearer to the center. ¡°That is Mattias and Seth¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Cora responded, leaning forward without thinking. Three more starred buildings were scattered throughout the map. ¡°What about the others?¡±

    ¡°This is Gabe and Marian¡¯s home,¡± he said, pointing to one near the opposite end of the map. ¡°This is Maya and Rio¡¯s home base.¡± He indicated one at the very top edge of the city, barely in line with those around it.

    ¡°Their what?¡± she asked, keeping her eyes on the map.

    ¡°Their home base,¡± he repeated. ¡°They are always traveling. That is where they come to rest or take a break, but they never stay long enough to call it home.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Why would anyone want to always be traveling?

    ¡°This last one belongs to Felicity and Tempest,¡± he said, indicating the last star. It covered a house near the center of the map.

    Cora nodded, stifling a yawn. Seth had mentioned a Felicity before.

    ¡°Are you ready to set up your bed now?¡± Idris asked, changing the subject.

    Cora sighed and slid the chair back from the table. ¡°I guess.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± He closed the book and led the way back into the sleeping room.

    Putting the cot together proved easier than she had expected and together she and Idris set it up against the far wall, opposite the first one. She brushed its soft surface with one hand, admiring the stitching that decorated the edges.

    ¡°Here,¡± Idris said, gaining her attention. He handed her a blanket and then turned to close the lid of the chest that now sat at the foot of her cot. ¡°You can have it.¡±

    She took it with care. White patches looked like clouds against the sky blue blanket. She turned it over in her hands with a whispered, ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. You can go to bed whenever you want. I have a couple of notes to make, then I¡¯ll be in,¡± he said, moving toward the door.

    Cora nodded, keeping her eyes on the blanket. She waited for him to leave before putting it down. Then she grabbed the bag of clothes Isla had given her and dropped it on the bottom of her bed. Running her hands over the soft material of her cloak, she pulled it tight around her shoulders again. The thought of taking it off felt stressful, so she compromised and laid it on the bed over the blanket to make a second layer. Then, with a glance toward the door to make sure she was alone, she crawled under the blanket and cloak and pulled them over her head. The smell that surrounded her was woody and warm.

    Beneath the weight of the soft material, she fell asleep before Idris came back.

 The Collapse

    ¡°How do you like it?¡± Seth asked as they walked through the streets of the marketplace.

    Cora shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    She and Idris and Seth had just left the children with Gabe and Marian and it had been Seth¡¯s idea to stop in and get something to eat.

    ¡°Did you get anything to eat last time you were here?¡± he pressed.

    ¡°No.¡± Cora crossed her arms under her cloak, looking at the stands around them. People were everywhere and yet somehow it felt less crowded than the city she had come from. Still, the eyes she felt watching her made her feel constricted. She glanced behind her at Idris who walked in silence. What is he thinking?

    ¡°Come on!¡± Seth said, suddenly tapping her arm and pointing toward a stand a short way off. ¡°That¡¯s my favorite place to get anything sweet. It¡¯s way better than the stores where you¡¯re from. Come on!¡± He repeated himself before running ahead.

    Cora debated continuing past the stand instead of following Seth, just to get away from his non-stop talking. Between telling her about his favorite places in the market and the route he always took when he visited, he had greeted just about everyone they passed with smiles and enthusiasm. To her surprise, nearly all of them had returned his greetings rather than ignoring him.

    With a groan, she stepped up to the stand beside him. The smell coming from beneath the yellow tent brought up a memory from the old city that she had long forgotten.

    Sitting on the side of the street, her back against the wall of a shop that smelled like this one, she had given up on getting anything to eat. Defeated, she was ready to give up when a shadow blocked the sun. She looked up to see a woman, her face hidden by the hood of a cloak. ¡°Here,¡± she said, holding out a paper bag. It smelled amazing and Cora took it without hesitation. ¡°Thanks,¡± she said, opening it and pulling out a roll from the shop. When she looked up, the woman had disappeared.

    An elbow to her arm snapped Cora out of the memory that had consumed her.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Seth asked, catching her eyes.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Cora brushed off the question and turned to look for Idris. She spotted him nearby, stopped by a couple in cloaks the same shade of green as the herbs that hung from the ceiling in Mattias¡¯s house. Beside her, Seth greeted the shop worker with a familiar enthusiasm.

    The old man under the tent smiled and nodded, returning the greeting with a more tolerable energy. His white hair was thin and wispy on top of his head and wrinkles decorated his face. ¡°Who¡¯s your friend?¡± he asked.

    Cora narrowed her eyes at the old man. No one in her entire life had ever shown any interest in her until she arrived in Phaedra. Having everyone notice her was unnerving.

    ¡°This is Cora,¡± Seth answered. ¡°We¡¯re going to need two of your famous sweet rolls please.¡±

    The old man laughed. ¡°I don¡¯t know about famous.¡± He reached down and pulled two large rolls from one of the shelves. He wrapped them each carefully in paper before passing them over to Seth. ¡°Here you go.¡±

    ¡°Thanks!¡± Seth said, taking them and passing one to Cora. ¡°Here. You have to try it. They¡¯re the best.¡±

    Cora took the sticky twisted roll from him with a muttered, ¡°thanks.¡±

    ¡°What do you need from us?¡± Seth asked, turning his attention to the shop owner and taking a big bite of his roll.

    ¡°I could use some more of that salve Mattias gave me last time he was here,¡± the man answered.

    ¡°Sure thing,¡± Seth said. He pulled a bag from under his cloak and reached inside to pull out a small ceramic jar. ¡°Matt thought you might be needing more soon.¡± He passed the jar to the shop owner who took it with thanks. ¡°See you next time.¡±

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    ¡°Goodbye, Seth,¡± the old man waved back as they walked away from the stand.

    Cora frowned at him. ¡°Is there anyone you¡¯re not friends with?¡±

    Seth laughed. ¡°Probably. I just don¡¯t know them yet.¡±

    She rolled her eyes and unwrapped part of hers to take a small bite. It tasted like nothing she had ever had with a honey coating that melted in her mouth. She stifled a moan, savoring the piece she had bitten off. She wrapped up the rest to save for later.

    ¡°I told you, they¡¯re the best,¡± Seth said. ¡°We can head back now, I just wanted to show you my favorite place.¡±

    ¡°That was your favorite place?¡±

    ¡°Yep.¡±

    ¡°Is there anywhere else you wanted to go, Seth?¡± Idris asked when they met him.

    ¡°Nope,¡± he answered with a grin.

    ¡°Do you need us to walk you home?¡±

    Seth laughed. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. See you guys tomorrow.¡± With one last look at Cora, he turned and headed down the path in what she assumed was the direction of the entrance gate.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Cora asked when Seth had disappeared around a corner.

    ¡°To the docks,¡± Idris answered, turning down a lane on the other side of the yellow tent. ¡°We need real food, not just sweets.¡±

    Cora looked at the roll in her hand and shrugged. She was not one to be picky when it came to food. ¡°Alright.¡±

    She tried to picture the map she had looked at the night before as they followed the winding path around more stands and colorful tents. Soon, she could see the tops of what looked like wooden poles reaching up above the tents up ahead and as they neared, the air changed as well adding a new smell to those of the marketplace.

    A man came rushing up to them, blocking their way. He stopped to catch his breath, his orange cloak hanging down his back and sweat on his forehead. ¡°Idris! Come quick! Collapse!¡± he said between panting breaths.

    ¡°Where?¡± Idris asked, looking around.

    Cora wondered the same. She had not heard anything that sounded like demolition.

    ¡°Near the gate. Two stands. Big ones.¡± The man glanced behind him as if they should be able to see the emergency from where they stood.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Idris responded.

    The man straightened and turned, running down the path the way he had come.

    Idris touched Cora¡¯s shoulder and met her eyes. ¡°Stay close.¡±

    She could feel her heart beginning to race before they started after the man. With no idea what they would find when they got there, the race through the marketplace put her more on edge than the stares she felt everywhere she went. If the man had sought them out then it must be important.

    Shouts reached her ears before she saw it. A cloud of dust settled over a large orange tent stand that had collapsed, taking with it a slightly smaller blue one. People surrounded the destruction. A few had moved forward, trying to move the rubble out of the way.

    Cora sucked in a breath and immediately coughed it out.

    Heads turned, and the crowd parted for Idris. Cora followed him through, avoiding eye contact with any of the bystanders.

    The man who had led them to the scene called to the others to stop, then he turned to Idris. ¡°There are two people stuck under there.¡± He stepped aside and Idris walked right up to the broken tents, knelt, and placed his hands on the ground in front of him.

    Cora hung back, merging with the crowd to watch. Her hands balled into fists under her cloak as she studied the fallen tents. It looked like the pillars that were supposed to hold it up had failed. She swallowed hard, knots twisting in her stomach at the thought that there might be people crushed underneath.

    She looked around, waiting for something to happen. Why did everybody back off?

    Then the ground under her feet began to rumble and shake. At first, she wondered if she was getting dizzy, then murmurs rose around the crowd as the rumbling grew.

    Movement in front of them caught her attention, and when she looked up her jaw dropped.

    The tents were moving on their own. The posts, a mess of rock and clay, were forming themselves into pillars once again, lifting the tents into the air. Slowly, the rubble was transformed into the stands before they had collapsed.

    Idris rose to meet the handful of people who rushed in. ¡°The front corner was weak.¡±

    The man who had brought them there nodded and took his hand. ¡°Thank you.¡± Then he turned and started calling out directions to the people helping.

    Cora was ready to stay and watch, looking for an opportunity to help out, as the rest of the crowd moved in. ¡°Wait¡ª¡° she started when Idris met her.

    ¡°Time to go.¡± He wrapped an arm around her and steered her away. He moved more slowly than before, his arm heavy on her shoulders.

    ¡°What about¡ª¡° she tried again, and stopped short when she looked at his face. It looked like all the energy had been drained from him. ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked, keeping her voice low. She threw a glance around them, worry gripping her insides as a new sense of danger filled her mind.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± he answered. He sounded out of breath.

    Cora stared at the ground, brows furrowed, trying to figure out what was going on. Hurried footfalls approached from behind and Cora tensed.

    ¡°Idris, Cora, there you are. I heard what happened.¡± A white cloak came into her line of sight and she looked up to see Isla. ¡°Come with me. You can rest and I will get you something to eat.¡±

    Idris nodded with a quiet, ¡°thanks.¡±

    At the same slow pace, they followed Isla down the path toward her tent.

 The Rest

    Isla¡¯s tent was not far down the path. When they ducked inside she led the way to the back where a wicker chair sat behind a shelf of clothing.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± she ordered.

    Idris let go of Cora and sank into the chair, eyes closed.

    Cora looked around at the racks and shelves surrounding the back of the counter, blocking their view of the rest of the tent.

    Isla disappeared around another rack of clothing and reappeared with a bag. ¡°Here. It¡¯s not much but it¡¯s better than nothing.¡± She took one look at Idris and set the bag on the counter. Then she turned to Cora, looking her over as if examining her. ¡°Are you alright Cora? You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost.¡±

    Cora swallowed and nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Isla nodded. ¡°Come and sit down.¡± She indicated a wooden three-legged stool that sat behind the counter. ¡°My brother needs to rest to regain his strength.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Cora said, moving slowly to sit on the stool. She kept her eyes on Idris. He looked like he was asleep. She could not remember a time she had felt so worried about another person. ¡°Is he going to be ok?¡± she asked in a whisper.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Isla answered with a smile. ¡°His gift requires a lot of energy.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Cora said again.

    Isla smiled and brushed her shoulder. ¡°Let me fix your hair while you wait. Ok?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ ok.¡± Nobody had ever asked that before. The older woman¡¯s presence directly behind her had her tensing up again.

    Isla used her fingers to go through the tangled mess that used to be a braid. As she worked through Cora¡¯s hair, Isla talked. Her words came out soft and slow, releasing the tension along with the tangles.

    ¡°I¡¯m not one to pry into other¡¯s lives, but I know you¡¯re new to Phaedra. You probably have a lot of questions.¡± She paused to put the old rubber band that Cora had used as a hair tie down on the counter. ¡°It¡¯s not often that accidents like that happen, thank the Ancient Magic.¡±

    Cora frowned. ¡°Everybody talks about this Ancient Magic. What is it?¡± She had not intended to ask the question that had been on her mind, but something about the gentle woman made her feel safe.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Isla said, sounding surprised. ¡°You don¡¯t know it yet¡­¡±

    Cora shook her head.

    ¡°The Ancient Magic is what created our world. It lives within every living thing. It¡¯s what sets the Gifted apart,¡± Isla answered.

    Cora glanced at Idris who appeared to be sleeping. ¡°That¡¯s it? Everyone makes it out to be this big deal¡­¡±

    ¡°It is.¡± Isla paused again. ¡°The Ancient Magic is what created the shield bond, what brings life and death and purpose.¡±

    ¡°Sounds crazy¡­¡± Cora muttered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything like that where you come from?¡± Isla asked.

    Cora shook her head. ¡°Nothing.¡±

    Isla fell silent for a moment before murmuring, ¡°How lonesome that must be.¡±

    Cora opened her mouth to argue but closed it again. ¡°It is what it is,¡± she said instead. ¡°Are you a shield?¡± she asked when the silence that fell between them grew thick.

    ¡°No,¡± Isla answered. ¡°Not everyone gets that honor.¡±

    ¡°Honor?¡± Cora asked. It seemed more like an inconvenience to her. That thought put a weight in her chest.

    ¡°Yes. To be trusted with someone else¡¯s life is a great honor.¡± She rested a hand on Cora¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It is one that most people do not get.¡± She paused again and Cora saw her hand reach for a brush out of the corner of her eye. She flinched away when the woman brought it near. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Cora. I¡¯ll move slowly. This is just to get the last of the tangles out.¡±

    Cora sucked in a breath and forced herself not to move. The brush was softer than she expected and it pulled out the tangles with relative ease.

    ¡°I am curious,¡± Isla spoke again as she ran the brush through Cora¡¯s hair. ¡°What brought you and my brother together.¡±

    ¡°Seth,¡± Cora answered flatly.

    Isla laughed. ¡°That is not surprising. He has a way of breaking down barriers.¡± She set the brush down and once again her fingers were in Cora¡¯s hair. ¡°Idris has been asked to be a shield before, you know.¡±

    Cora¡¯s eyes flicked back to the man sleeping in the chair. ¡°He has?¡±

    ¡°Yes. His magic is very powerful¡­¡±

    ¡°He rebuilt the stands that fell,¡± Cora said, thinking over what had happened. She turned the sweet roll over in her hands, glad it was wrapped up in paper. Slowly, she moved her cloak aside to set the roll on the counter.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Isla asked.

    Cora shrugged. ¡°A sweet roll. Seth thought I needed it.¡±

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    Isla laughed again. ¡°Of course he did.¡± She removed her fingers from Cora¡¯s hair and stepped around to face her. Her smile grew as she looked over the results of her work. ¡°Beautiful.¡±

    Cora felt her face heat up. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°You, honey. Hang on.¡± She disappeared and Cora listened to her footsteps and then the sound of a sliding drawer.

    She lifted her hands to her hair. The bumps and ridges felt smooth and intentional, carefully woven together.

    ¡°Don¡¯t pull it out. I just did it.¡± Isla reappeared in front of her with a mirror. ¡°Look.¡± She held it up in front of Cora.

    The face looking back at her was clean. Dark freckles replaced the dirt that had always been there and brown eyes were bright and clear. The dark hair that was once a mess of mats and tangles pulled into a braid now looked shiny and smooth. A few stray strands were all that hung around her face.

    Cora lifted a hand to touch the face she did not recognize. ¡°Is that¡­ me?¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± Isla said. ¡°Your new clothes fit well too.¡±

    Cora looked down. They did fit, better than anything she had ever worn. ¡°Oh¡­¡± she murmured.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡± Isla said suddenly.

    Cora startled and looked around. Idris sat in the chair, awake and watching.

    ¡°Yeah. Thanks Isla.¡± His voice already sounded stronger than it had when they had arrived.

    ¡°Of course. Here.¡± She grabbed the bag from the counter and passed it to him. ¡°Eat something before you go.¡±

    He took the bag and pulled out a sandwich. The smell reminded Cora of the air near the harbor, mixed with the spices that permeated the rest of the market.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Isla asked, facing Cora again. ¡°Are you hungry?¡±

    Cora glanced at the roll she had set on the counter.

    ¡°For some real food, I mean,¡± Isla said, following her gaze.

    ¡°Um¡­¡± she started.

    ¡°Of course you are,¡± Isla interrupted before she could come up with an answer. ¡°Here.¡± She opened a drawer behind the counter in front of the stool Cora sat on and produced a bright red fruit. ¡°It¡¯s not much but it¡¯s better than nothing.¡±

    Cora took it with a murmured, ¡°Thanks.¡± She turned it over in her hands before taking a tentative bite. It was tougher than she had expected, and not nearly as sweet as the roll Seth had given her.

    Isla stepped back and folded her arms in front of her chest. ¡°You both look much better now. I¡¯m glad I found you.¡± She turned her eyes on Idris as he finished the sandwich. ¡°You¡¯re doing a good job.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he responded, handing her the bag.

    She shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t need it. You can take the rest with you.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± He stood up and met Cora¡¯s eyes. ¡°Are you ready to go?¡±

    ¡°Are you?¡± she challenged, thinking of the way he had leaned on her just to get to Isla¡¯s tent.

    He nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Cora hesitated, looking for signs of weakness. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll be alright,¡± Isla confirmed, resting a hand on Cora¡¯s shoulder. Then the older woman surprised her by wrapping her in a tight embrace. ¡°I¡¯m so glad you came here,¡± she said as she let go. ¡°You take good care of her now.¡± She aimed the comment at her brother.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Cora muttered, joining Idris.

    Outside the tent, the marketplace looked as if nothing had happened. People still walked the paths, stopping at stands or ducking into tents. ¡°Where are we going?¡± she asked when she did not see any signs that they were nearing the exit.

    ¡°The docks,¡± he answered.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± She had forgotten all about their destination before he had been called to rebuild the fallen stands. ¡°Isla said that¡¯s your gift,¡± she thought out loud.

    ¡°Sort of.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Cora asked, looking over at him.

    He let out a sigh. ¡°My gift is the ability to manipulate the ground.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Both Seth and Isla had told her that he was powerful, but to manipulate the ground sounded beyond imagination. ¡°But it takes a lot of energy,¡± she commented.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Cora looked down. The bottom of her cloak brushed her legs as she walked. She frowned at her feet. ¡°Then why do you do it?¡± She could not imagine giving that much of herself to help strangers. If it was me, I would hide a gift like that.

    Idris remained quiet for a few paces before answering. ¡°Because it is my job. The Ancient Magic gave me this power for a reason.¡±

    There he goes again, talking about how everything happens for a reason. ¡°What if it didn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°What if it did?¡± he challenged, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

    She smelled the change in the air as they neared the edge of the marketplace and changed the subject.

    ¡°We made it.¡± As she said it, they stepped out from under the maze of tents.

    Above them, the clear sky stretched every direction as far as she could see, and in front of them the water seemed to go on forever as well, its surface moved in ripples of blue and white. Overhead, sea birds called, flying from boats to the tops of shops. Their feathers shone bright white in the sun.

    ¡°Of course we did,¡± Idris commented, turning left to walk along a line of stands that faced the docks.

    To their right, wooden boards connected land to water in a long walkway that seemed to stretch the length of the marketplace. The boards jutted out at regular intervals, extending paths out over the water. Boats moved up and down with the small waves that rippled across the surface in an odd sort of dance. The smallest one looked like it would only fit two or three people with what looked like a sheet hanging on a pole that stuck up in between two benches. It was parked next to what had to be the largest. With several of the sheets hung up in a line down the center of the boat.

    ¡°Wow¡­¡±

    As they passed the large boat, two women in sea green cloaks hurried over from the section of docks that stretched out beside it.

    ¡°Hello there, stranger,¡± the first woman greeted with a wide smile. Her red hair was pulled into a ponytail and the clothes she wore looked worn and dirty. Still, her tone was light and joyful, as if she had not a single worry.

    ¡°Hello Lizzy, hello Bay,¡± Idris responded.

    The names she had heard more than once sparked in Cora¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Hello.¡± The second woman spoke more quietly. Slightly shorter than the first woman, her hair was black as night and when Cora looked down she saw what looked like a round piece of wood in place of one of her legs.

    ¡°What brings you to our end of the region?¡± the first woman asked, glancing at Cora with bright green eyes.

    ¡°Just looking for fresh food to bring home,¡± Idris answered. ¡°Do you have anything from the islands?¡±

    The woman clapped her hands together and turned toward the far end of the docks. ¡°As a matter of fact, we just traded a batch of mixed fruits and nuts to Talia and Rowan down at that end just this morning. You know they are going to make something amazing with it.¡±

    Cora watched the second woman as they started forward, walking in the direction the first woman had pointed. She held her head high, walking with confidence, and a slight limp. Her clothes were not as worn looking as the first woman¡¯s.

    ¡°So, is this the new girl I¡¯ve heard about?¡± The first woman turned on Cora, walking backwards and raising her brows as she looked her over. ¡°You must be Cora. I¡¯m Lizzy and this is Bay.¡± She indicated the second woman who smiled a silent greeting.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ hi¡­¡± Cora responded.

    She looked from Cora to Idris and back. ¡°How did the two of you end up together?¡±

    ¡°Seth,¡± Cora answered, amazed that Lizzy had not tripped over the uneven walkway.

    ¡°Seth?¡± she repeated

    ¡°Cora is a friend of Seth. He brought her to Mattias when she was hurt,¡± Idris explained.

    ¡°I see.¡± Lizzy put on a thoughtful expression before turning around. ¡°You¡¯re going to make some people quite envious, you know.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Cora asked without thinking. The idea that anyone might be envious of her seemed absurd.

    Lizzy looked at her without turning around this time. ¡°Because, you have one of the most powerful shields in Phaedra, my friend.¡±

    Cora glanced at Idris, questions multiplying. Instead of letting them out, she chose silence as they neared the end of the line of shops across from the dock.

 The Spotlight

    Cora had not expected to spend nearly as much time as they had in the market. It seemed everywhere they went, they were stopped. Some people wanted to thank Idris for fixing the fallen stands, while others were curious about her.

    By the time they passed under the archway and out into the streets of Phaedra, she felt worn out. Everywhere they went she felt like there was an invisible spotlight pointed straight at her.

    The farther they walked from the market, the emptier the streets became. Cora¡¯s heart rate sped up with every corner they encountered, afraid they might run into a Shadow-Walker outside the safety of the market walls. By the time they reached the house, she was exhausted.

    Wordlessly, she crossed the main room and dropped the bag of bread she had carried on the table.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Cora?¡± Idris asked, coming up behind her and setting down the basket he had carried.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± she said, stepping aside to put space between them. Before she could take another step, he reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. She whipped her head around to stare at him, turning her expression to a glare. ¡°What?¡± she snapped.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked.

    She gritted her teeth, holding on to the glare. ¡°Everyone looks at me, everywhere we go. It¡¯s like there¡¯s a spotlight somewhere pointed at me. I never asked for that.¡± Once she started, the words came pouring out before she could stop them. ¡°I don¡¯t want attention, I want to be left alone, not watched like I¡¯m some sort of fascinating creature no one has ever seen before. I never should have followed Seth to this stupid place.¡± Her voice cracked on the last word, betraying her emotions. She looked down at the sweet roll in her hand, still wrapped in paper.

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    Idris dropped his hand from her shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Shock prompted her to look at him. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. There is a spotlight on you. People are curious about the newcomer to our city, and the fact that you are paired with me only gives them more reason to talk.¡± He paused, holding her gaze. ¡°Nobody warned you that that might be the case and for that I am sorry.¡±

    She opened her mouth, then shut it again when she couldn¡¯t come up with the right words. She had been prepared for an argument and instead he had given her an apology.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you made a mistake in coming to Phaedra,¡± he said.

    Cora put her guard up again, crossing her arms, ready for the confrontation she had expected. ¡°Why is that?¡±

    ¡°Because I agree with Seth. You belong here,¡± he answered with sincerity.

    Cora rolled her eyes. ¡°Then you¡¯re both wrong,¡± she huffed. ¡°I don¡¯t belong anywhere.¡± Growing frustrated, she headed for the sleeping room and closed the door behind her.

    She paced the room, glaring at the furniture as if it had just told her she did not belong anywhere. Frustrated by the hurt those words carried, she searched for a distraction. Her eyes found the map on the wall. The marketplace was much larger in person than it looked in the picture, and the docks were equally so. She turned her attention to the maze of streets that ran throughout the city.

    ¡°If I find it¡­¡± she murmured to herself, searching for the portal that she had come through with Seth.

 The Visit

    ¡°Woah!¡± Seth exclaimed. ¡°You got to see him rebuild a market stand?¡± He shuffled a deck of cards on the table. They looked older than he was, with tattered edges and faded ink.

    Overhead, the morning sun cast long streams of light into the house through the windows.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cora said. She draped her cloak over the back of the chair across from him. The air outside was already hot and the need to cool down overcame her desire to stay hidden.

    She glanced over at Idris.

    He sat with Mattias at the other end of the table, a cup of something steamy in hand. He still looked tired, though far better than he had been the day before. They had gone to see Mattias first thing. His explanation for the healer had been brief, but that did not stop Seth from getting worked up.

    ¡°It sounds like I just missed it,¡± he complained. ¡°I should have stayed longer.¡±

    She narrowed her eyes at him. ¡°Why?¡±

    Before he could answer, a sudden banging on the door silenced the room.

    Seth put the cards down and turned toward the door.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get it,¡± Mattias said, holding a hand up to stop him. He crossed the room to another round of banging, and when he opened the door, a woman in a dark purple cloak rushed inside. ¡°Delta. What are you doing here? Where is Liam?¡± he asked, glancing outside before closing the door.

    Delta lowered her hood. Her hair was pulled back into a sloppy bun, revealing a red, tear streaked face. ¡°I¡¯ve had it with him,¡± she spat, approaching the table. When her eyes landed on Cora, her expression turned to a glare. ¡°Why are you still here?¡± Without leaving time for a response, she continued. ¡°You should have left! I warned you.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Cora asked, turning to face the woman with a glare of her own.

    Delta¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You have made a huge mistake,¡± she said.

    Cora crossed her arms. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± The metal band she wore caught her eye and realization dawned on her.

    Delta pointed at it with a shaking finger. ¡°How could you?¡± she demanded, fire blazing in her glare.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Idris interrupted, the exhaustion gone from his voice.

    ¡°Come on, Delta,¡± Mattias said, putting a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s talk in the other room.¡±

    ¡°You should have gone home.¡± She sent one final glowering look to Cora before allowing Mattias to lead her away from the table and into the cot room.

    Cora scowled at the door as it shut behind them. She remembered the warning Delta had given her. She had said to choose carefully because not all people would make good Shields and that she wouldn¡¯t be able to change her mind once she chose. The metal band on her arm, shiny and clean, did not feel like a mistake though it had brought unwanted attention. She sighed.

    ¡°I wonder what happened,¡± Seth said, pulling her attention away from the door and back to the table.

    ¡°I can only imagine,¡± Idris said quietly.

    Shouting, muffled by the door, reached their ears.

    Idris looked at Cora. ¡°We should probably go.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Seth asked. ¡°You just got here. Matt will take care of Delta. I wanna hear more about yesterday.¡±

    Cora rolled her eyes.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing more to tell,¡± Idris answered.

    As quickly as it had started, the shouting ended and Mattias returned, closing the door to the cot room with a heavy sigh.

    ¡°How is she?¡± Idris asked, standing to meet him.

    Mattias shook his head. ¡°Resting.¡± He motioned toward the other side of the room where the cushions were arranged in a seating area.

    ¡°I wonder why it¡¯s a secret,¡± Seth said as the healer and the Shield moved away.

    Cora pulled her stare from the door and looked around the now quiet room. ¡°Maybe it was a mistake,¡± she murmured.

    ¡°No way,¡± Seth said, regaining her attention.

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    She raised her eyebrows at him. ¡°You don¡¯t know that.¡±

    ¡°Sure I do. Think about it. Where else would you have gone if not through the portal? And now you have one of the most powerful Shields in all of Phaedra.¡±

    ¡°I know¡­¡± Isla had said the same thing, and the way everyone asked about her gave weight to the words.

    Seth smiled and laughed. ¡°After yesterday, I bet it¡¯s hard not to believe, huh?¡±

    Cora shook her head. ¡°Isla said the same thing.¡± She reached up and ran a hand over the braid the woman had woven in her hair. Between Idris touching the ground and rebuilding the broken stands, and Isla doing her hair and talking to her like a friend, it had been a day full of new experiences; one she would not forget. Do I really want to leave this place? She barely heard Seth talking, lost in her own conflicting thoughts.

    It did not occur to her that she was watching Mattias and Idris until they approached the table.

    ¡°He¡¯ll show up,¡± Mattias said, coming to a stop. ¡°Especially now.¡±

    Idris met her eyes.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Seth asked, interrupting whatever he was about to say.

    Mattias hesitated before answering. ¡°Delta just needs to rest for a while.¡±

    Cora narrowed her eyes and studied the healer¡¯s face, searching for the truth he was clearly hiding.

    ¡°We should go,¡± Idris said, regaining her attention.

    ¡°Why?¡± The question surprised her. Seth was the one who was always asking questions. This time, though, she was curious.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather not wait ¡ª¡± He was cut off by another round of banging on the door. He closed his mouth and she saw the muscles in his jaw twitch.

    Mattias took his time, pushing a chair in to its place at the table before crossing to the door.

    Cora twisted in her seat to watch as he put a hand on the handle, took a slow breath, and opened it.

    Liam burst in with wide eyes. ¡°Where is she?¡± he demanded.

    Idris moved closer to the table, positioning himself between the frantic visitor and Cora.

    ¡°Hello, Liam,¡± Mattias said, stepping in front of him with fluid movements.

    Cora could feel the tension filling up the room as they waited for Liam to respond. She leaned to the side to see around Idris.

    Liam cleared his throat and crossed his arms, then uncrossed them again. When he spoke again his tone was composed. ¡°Sorry. I¡ª I lost Delta on the way to the market. I figured she might have come here. Have you seen her?¡± She thought she heard something in his voice, hidden beneath the panic. It made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end.

    ¡°She is here,¡± Mattias answered slowly.

    ¡°Where is she?¡± Liam asked without skipping a beat. He scanned the room again and when his eyes landed on Cora he paused, just for a breath, before looking back to Mattias.

    ¡°She is resting now. Why don¡¯t you come sit down and tell me what happened?¡± Mattias motioned toward the table.

    The sound of cards shuffling caught Cora¡¯s attention and she turned to see Seth picking up his cards. She aimed a questioning look in his direction and he shook his head, his expression concerned.

    ¡°Delta told me her side,¡± Mattias said, pulling a chair out for Liam at the far side of the table. ¡°What¡¯s yours?¡± He sat down beside the panicked man, giving Liam his full attention.

    Idris took the seat on the man¡¯s other side, still between him and Cora. He stood behind the chair, hands resting on its back. The way he stood reminded her of their encounters with Shadow-Walkers, putting her even more on edge.

    ¡°We were on our way to the market and she just ran off,¡± Liam said. His voice had changed again oozing with a fake concern that sent Cora back to the city. It was eerily close to the way the upper class spoke to the Rats.

    ¡°Is that all?¡± Mattias asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why she ran!¡± Liam burst out. ¡°How am I supposed to know why she does what she does?¡± He grumbled under his breath and Cora thought she heard the word, ¡°unstable.¡± When he cleared his throat again, he composed himself. ¡°Can I please see her? I just want to make sure she¡¯s okay.¡±

    Mattias shook his head. ¡°She is sleeping right now. She¡¯s alright, I promise, but I am not going to wake her up so soon.¡±

    Liam huffed, narrowing his eyes at the healer. ¡°Since when was she your responsibility?¡±

    ¡°Since she came to me for help.¡± There was an air of finality to Mattias¡¯s words that conflicted with his usual calm.

    Liam gritted his teeth. Then he rounded on Idris. ¡°And what about you!? Are you here to team up against me?¡± He spat the accusation.

    Idris shook his head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°No one is teaming up against you,¡± Mattias interrupted, calling the man¡¯s attention back to him. ¡°She needs to rest and you need to calm down. Go, do your shopping, and come back when you can think clearly. Then the two of you can talk.¡±

    Liam ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°What is there to say?¡±

    ¡°You might start with an apology,¡± Idris commented.

    Liam stood, pushing his chair back with a loud scraping noise. His eyes flicked to Cora and back. ¡°What would you know?¡± he demanded, slamming a fist down on the table. ¡°How long have you been a Shield? A day? That¡¯s nothing, and she¡¯s¡ª¡° He cut himself off suddenly, looking at Idris as if seeing him for the first time. ¡°You have no business giving me advice,¡± he growled.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t about them,¡± Mattias intervened. ¡°This is about you and Delta.¡± He stood slowly, meeting the man¡¯s eyes.

    Liam took a sharp breath, then let it out in a sigh. ¡°How was I supposed to know this would happen?¡± he asked the healer. ¡°It wasn¡¯t supposed to happen. I am not prepared for a baby.¡±

    Cora nearly choked. She whipped her head around to look at Seth who met her with an expression that must have mirrored her own.

    ¡°How is it even possible?¡± Liam let his shoulders slump. ¡°What am I supposed to do?¡± he asked.

    ¡°That is a conversation for later,¡± Mattias answered, choosing his words with care.

    Liam nodded. ¡°Fine. I guess I¡¯ll leave her here and come back later.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be here,¡± Mattias confirmed, walking him to the door before he could change his mind.

    ¡°That went well,¡± Idris said dryly when Liam had gone and the door was shut.

    ¡°About as well as we can expect, I suppose,¡± Mattias agreed.

    ¡°I thought the Ancient Magic is what determines who can have children,¡± Seth spoke up.

    Mattias looked over at them. ¡°It has far less say over those without magic, so the possibility is higher.¡±

    ¡°What do you think he¡¯s going to do?¡± Seth asked.

    Mattias shook his head. ¡°We have no way of knowing.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll be back,¡± Idris added.

    ¡°That is one thing we can be sure of,¡± Mattias said with a grimace.

    ¡°We should go,¡± Idris said, directing his attention to Cora.

    ¡°That sounds good to me.¡± She stood without hesitation and picked up her cloak, draping it over her shoulders.

    ¡°See you later,¡± Seth called as they headed for the door.

    ¡°Yeah. Ok,¡± she responded without looking back.

 The Rain

    The sun scorched the world around them as Cora and Idris walked the streets of Phaedra.

    ¡°Where are we going anyway?¡± she asked, pulling her cloak shut to keep the heat out.

    ¡°We are going to take the long way home.¡± He looked up at the sky. ¡°It is going to rain. I want to make sure everyone is safe.¡±

    Cora gave him a skeptical look. ¡°It¡¯s going to rain?¡± she repeated.

    He nodded. ¡°I can feel it.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t even make sense,¡± she argued, looking up as well. ¡°How can you feel rain? There¡¯s not even a single cloud up there.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t get much rain here. When it comes, the atmosphere changes. You¡¯ll see,¡± he explained.

    Cora rolled her eyes.

    They continued along the curving maze of streets in silence.

    Clearly Delta wants me gone¡­ she thought, passing another connecting side street. She huffed, going over the interaction again in her head. ¡°If she saw what it¡¯s like there, maybe she¡¯d change her attitude,¡± she thought out loud.

    As they went, she found herself looking down every side road they passed, searching for the alley she had come through with Seth. Not that she wanted to leave¡­ she wasn¡¯t sure what she wanted.

    ¡°Where?¡± Idris asked.

    She looked over at him and shook her head. ¡°Nowhere.¡±

    He raised a brow. ¡°Nowhere?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Nowhere. I was just thinking,¡± she said in an attempt to end that conversation before it started. She looked to the sky and did a double take. A cloud had appeared over he city, round and gray. ¡°That¡¯s the rain cloud?¡± she asked, incredulous. It wouldn¡¯t even cover half of the city.

    ¡°It¡¯s the start,¡± Idris said. ¡°Just wait. More will come.¡± He picked up the pace. ¡°Shadow-Walkers like the rain. They will come out as it gets darker.¡±

    Cora shuddered. The alleyways suddenly seemed less interesting than they had been, more sinister and dangerous.

    Without hesitation, Idris headed toward the sound.

    A scream sounded from somewhere in the distance, and she nearly echoed the scream out of surprise.

    Cora¡¯s heart pounded in her chest as she fought the urge to run the other way. She glanced up to see more clouds had joined the first one. She swallowed hard.

    They hurried down a side street and stopped short when they came out the other side.

    Three hulking Shadow-Walkers circled a group of people.

    The people appeared to be trying to fend them off but the monsters kept moving, avoiding the magic each time.

    Idris put a hand on Cora¡¯s shoulder and pressed her against the wall at their backs. ¡°Stay here.¡±

    She planted herself, eyes on the circling monsters. Terror kept her still. She watched as Idris moved away from her, toward the monsters.

    They spotted him and stopped circling. One broke away from the others and advanced, followed by another. He raised a hand and she saw two of the other people doing the same. Then a flash of blinding light filled her vision with spots. She blinked, trying to see what had happened.

    A dark shape came toward her and she threw her hands up to shield her face, fearing a Shadow-Walker had escaped the assault. Instead, warm hands moved hers out of the way. ¡°They¡¯re gone,¡± Idris said.

    Slowly, the spots of light faded and she could see clearly again. The monsters were gone, their only remnants a cloud of dust settling to the ground. Cora stuck herself to his side as the group of people who had been under attack crossed the street toward them.

    ¡°Thank you for your help,¡± a man said, extending a hand toward Idris. His gray cloak was swept over one shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t know what we would have done..¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen so many Shadow-Walkers in one place,¡± added a young woman in a yellow cloak. She glanced behind them at their companions. An older looking woman in a lime green cloak had her hands on the arms of another woman in a gray cloak that matched the man¡¯s. A braid of thick brown hair draped over her shoulder and down her front.

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Idris said with a nod. ¡°Rain is coming. Stay safe.¡±

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    The man nodded.

    ¡°We¡¯re going home now,¡± the woman in the gray cloak said, stepping forward and linking her arm with the man¡¯s. She looked back at the older woman. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°We need to keep moving,¡± Idris commented as the group hurried away.

    ¡°Ok¡­¡± Cora answered. The uncertainty she felt shook her voice.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have much farther to go.¡± Idris started forward, glancing both ways before putting an arm around her shoulders and picking up the pace.

    Cora stuck close to his side, constantly checking the sky, as they walked. Each time she looked up more clouds had gathered, turning the sky gray. The empty streets of Phaedra darkened with the cloud coverage and an eerie silence fell between the rows of buildings.

    The first raindrops began to fall as their door came into view. They splashed down much larger than the rain that fell in the city where Cora came from, leaving dark splotches all over the dry ground.

    We made it.

    As soon as the thought crossed her mind, a shadow loomed from behind them making the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. They were only a few paces from the door when the Shadow-Walker materialized, advancing toward them.

    ¡°Get inside,¡± Idris said, pushing the door open and trading places with Cora.

    She stumbled across the threshold and turned as a flash of light filled the doorway. For a moment she thought lightning had struck. Then Idris stepped inside and closed the door, breathing hard.

    ¡°That was close,¡± she said breathlessly.

    The rain beat down on the windows above, growing heavier and filling the room with noise.

    Idris hung his cloak up on the hook by the door. ¡°Are you alright?¡± he asked.

    Cora nodded. She walked over to stand under one of the windows and watched the water splash onto the glass. She frowned. ¡°Will it damage the city?¡±

    ¡°No. It won¡¯t last long. As long as the magic holds, the buildings will be fine,¡± Idris answered.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Just that morning it had been so hot she had willingly taken her cloak off just to cool down, and now the sky was completely covered with clouds. The change was jarring compared to the predictable gray skies of the city she was used to.

    If it was up to Delta, I would have gone back there. She narrowed her eyes, turning her scowl on the table as she thought over the hostile interaction.

    Idris disappeared through the doorway to the other room, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

    Delta had been like a completely different person from the quiet woman she had been the first time they had met.

    As quickly as it had started, the rain let up, slowing until the clouds were gone and the sun once again shone through the windows. It cast long rays of light across the room.

    ¡°See? I told you it wouldn¡¯t last long.¡± Idris emerged from the other room.

    ¡°What¡¯s her problem,¡± she grumbled, heading for the table. She snatched the leftover pastry she had saved from the day before and took a bite. It was not as satisfying as she had expected and she set it ack down with a sigh.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± she agreed, looking up at the window. ¡°Now what?¡±

    ¡°Now we wait for the clouds to dissipate and then go out and check on things.¡± Idris opened the package of fresh baked herb bread they had bought at the docks the day before and plucked one out.

    ¡°Oh.¡± She narrowed her eyes at the bluing sky.

    It did not take long for the clouds to be gone completely. When they were, Cora followed Idris outside.

    ¡°Where did you find Marin?¡± she asked when her mind conjured up and image of the injured boy laying on the street.

    ¡°Not far from here, actually,¡± Idris answered.

    Cora shuddered, half expecting to find him again, or someone else who had been caught alone in the rain. Each corner they rounded and every street they passed had her on edge, ready to move if they came across someone.

    Humidity hung in the air and the ground held rapidly shrinking puddles; tiny reflections of the sky dotted across the otherwise dry ground.

    The farther in they went the smaller the puddles became until the ground was once again dry.

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of rain if it just disappears as quick as it came?¡± she wondered out loud.

    The streets were empty as they made their way around the outer edge of the city and then slowly inward.

    She opened her mouth to ask when a pair of women in purple cloaks approached, their hoods lowered revealing smiling faces.

    ¡°Hello, Idris.¡± The first woman spoke softly, her voice smooth and clear.

    ¡°Hello Felicity, Tempest.¡± Idris nodded at each woman in turn. Then he looked at Cora. ¡°This is Felicity, the fourth Gifted, and her partner Tempest.¡±

    The second woman smiled brightly, her blue eyes shone like the sky after the rain and her short cropped hair revealed ears lined in earrings of all shapes and colors. ¡°Hello,¡± she greeted.

    ¡°This is Cora.¡±

    There were no signs of any kind of lakes or rivers around the desert city. The closest water source she could think of was the bay on the other side of the market. Where does it even go?

    Felicity nodded. ¡°Ah, yes. We have heard your name mentioned. Welcome to Phaedra, Cora.¡±

    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± She frowned. If her name was being spoken around Phaedra, that could not be a good thing. Who is talking about me, and why?

    ¡°Are you just returning?¡± Idris asked.

    ¡°We are. This trip took longer than expected, but we have brought back enough water from the Spring to last for quite some time,¡± Tempest answered.

    A set of goggles were parked on top of her head, holding back waves of amber hair that looked like it was about to explode from the braid it was trapped in. A leather bag hung across her body from one shoulder, sticking out from beneath her cloak and pushing it aside to reveal long pants that had been tied tight around her ankles and a shirt that hugged her middle.

    ¡°We came from the market during the rain. The city is all clear on our end. Did you find any trouble?¡± Felicity asked, glancing around.

    If she had not seen it with her own eyes, Cora would have had trouble believing it had rained at all. The sun had dried up the ground and the buildings around them as quickly as the rain had soaked them.

    ¡°No,¡± Idris answered.

    ¡°Wonderful,¡± Felicity said. She turned to Tempest. ¡°Shall we return home?¡±

    Cora narrowed her eyes, trying to recall the map with the stars on it that marked the homes of each of the gifted. Unable to picture it, she settled on the assumption that they must have ducked into one of the houses nearby.

    ¡°If they covered the rest of the city, we can go too,¡± Idris said, turning his attention to Cora.

    She shrugged. ¡°Fine with me.¡±

    As she said it, a shout echoed up from somewhere nearby, bouncing off the buildings. It sounded like a cry for help, sending Cora¡¯s heart into her throat. She did not have to ask to know what Idris¡¯s response would be.

    ¡°Come on,¡± he said before hurrying off in the direction of the cry.

    They passed quickly and when Cora turned to watch them walk away, they had already disappeared.

 The Woman

    Cora ran hard to keep up with Idris, heading toward the cry for help.

    An old woman, deep blue cloak askew, sat on the ground breathing hard. Thin gray hair done in a neat braid like a halo on top of her head. ¡°Oh, thank the Ancient Magic!¡± she said in a breath.

    They hurried down a side street that connected two larger streets as the shout came again, urgent and loud.

    Her mind conjured up an image of a Shadow-Walker looming over a boy that looked like Marin. She gritted her teeth and steeled herself, expecting the worst. When they emerged onto the main street, they stopped short.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Idris asked, glancing up and down the street before approaching.

    Cora followed carefully, waiting for the Shadow-Walkers from her imagination to spring on them.

    ¡°Well, the rain stopped so I thought I would go for a walk, maybe to the market. Then I fell.¡± She looked around, an unreadable expression on her face. ¡°I think I hurt my ankle.¡±

    ¡°May I look at it?¡± Idris waited for her to nod before moving toward her feet. ¡°Which one?¡±

    ¡°The right one, dear.¡± She pointed to her foot, just sticking out below the hem of a thin dress.

    Cora watched as Idris felt the woman¡¯s foot first and then slowly made his way toward her ankle. He stopped when she sucked in a breath.

    ¡°Ooh. That¡¯s it. Ouch,¡± she said, making a face.

    ¡°It¡¯s swelling up fast. I am going to take you to Mattias. He will get you fixed up.¡± Idris slid an arm under her knees and another arm behind her back and stood, lifting the old woman off the ground.

    ¡°Oh my, no. I would hate to take any of your precious time,¡± she said. Her voice reminded Cora of the wealthy shoppers back in the city. They were always oozy and dramatic.

    He shook his head. ¡°Cora and I don¡¯t have anywhere we need to be now. We don¡¯t mind.¡±

    He met Cora¡¯s eyes and she remembered what he had told her when she had asked why. ¡°It¡¯s my responsibility to help the people of Phaedra.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Cora tried to sound sincere, but her words came out sounding sarcastic instead.

    The old woman sent her a scathing look that lasted barely a second before turning her dark eyes back on Idris. ¡°If you insist. Thank you, Idris.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem,¡± he responded.

    Cora stared at the woman as they started up the street, wondering she had imagined the look.

    She had plenty of practice catching the body language of others and was no stranger to unwarranted hatred, but whether it was because of her response, or some other reason she did not know.

    She avoided the old woman¡¯s gaze, lost in her own thoughts until they arrived in front of the healer¡¯s door.

    ¡°Cora, would you mind knocking?¡± Idris asked, stepping aside to let her pass.

    Delta came to mind. The woman had all but shouted at her, insisting that she should not be there. It was a stark contrast to their first meeting.

    ¡°Oh. Um, sure¡­¡± She raised a fist and knocked on the rough wood three times.

    She could hear Seth¡¯s voice before he answered.

    A look of surprise crossed his face as he swung the door open to let them in. ¡°You¡¯re back!¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cora said, stepping inside and out of the way so Idris could carry the woman inside.

    ¡°Matt! Someone¡¯s here to see you,¡± Seth called as he closed the door behind them.

    ¡°Stop calling me that.¡± The healer emerged from the cot room, a scowl on his face as he wiped his hands on a rag. He paused when he saw them. ¡°Oh! Come on back and tell me what happened.¡±

    ¡°She fell,¡± Idris explained, crossing the room.

    ¡°I believe I hurt my ankle,¡± the old woman chimed in, her voice dripping sweet again. ¡°Can you fix it?¡±

    Mattias nodded. ¡°I can. Come and sit down here¡­¡± The three disappeared into the cot room.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Delta?¡± Cora asked, looking around. She had expected to be verbally attacked again as soon as they walked in.

    ¡°She¡¯s still asleep,¡± Seth answered with a shrug.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Stolen novel; please report.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why she¡¯s so angry with you. It¡¯s not like her situation is your fault.¡± He motioned toward the colored cushions. ¡°Hey, do you know how to play cards?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± she said flatly, crossing her arms.

    ¡°Wanna learn?¡± Seth asked, a grin suddenly on his face.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± She glanced toward the cot room door as Idris emerged, alone.

    ¡°Mattias is almost done getting Nora fixed up. I don¡¯t want her trying to walk to the market on her own,¡± he explained.

    ¡°Can you take me home first?¡± Cora asked. Home¡­ The word felt strange on her lips. Never before had she had the ability to make such a request.

    He shook his head. ¡°There won¡¯t be enough time. She¡¯s ready to go, and I don¡¯t want to make Mattias host her longer than he has to.¡± He glanced back at the cot room and Cora wondered what he thought of the old woman.

    ¡°Then I¡¯d rather stay here.¡± She took a step toward the colored cushions.

    He raised his brows. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    Cora nodded.

    They all watched as Mattias helped the old woman out of the cot room. ¡°All better!¡± she said. ¡°Thanks to you wonderful men.¡±

    Beside her, the healer closed his eyes and took in a slow breath before opening them again. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Nora. Please be careful in the future.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I will,¡± she assured him.

    ¡°I will walk you to the market,¡± Idris said, moving toward the door. ¡°I¡¯ll come back for you then, Cora.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, okay.¡± She gave a short nod and then turned and headed for the cushions without bothering to watch them leave. ¡°Show me your card game, Seth.¡± She picked a vibrant blue pillow with gold tassels on each of its corners and sat down. It was more firm than she had expected, its surface more coarse than the clothing she wore.

    ¡°It¡¯s not my card game, it¡¯s a card game. Lots of people know it,¡± Seth corrected. He plopped down on the emerald green cushion beside her and paused. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You tell me. That lady looked at me like I was trying to steal something precious from her. I haven¡¯t stolen a thing since I came here! What is her problem?¡± Her voice rose as she spoke, more emotion seeping out than what she had intended.

    Seth shuffled his cards in silence before responding; a move she had not thought possible for him. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Are you sure she was looking at you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Cora crossed her arms.

    ¡°That sounds really weird... Maybe she was having a bad day,¡± he suggested. ¡°She did fall and hurt her leg.¡±

    ¡°Whatever.¡± Cora rolled her eyes and watched as he dealt the cards. She did not believe him, but the energy for a fight was gone, so she dropped the subject. ¡°I don¡¯t really want to play,¡± she said.

    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I want you to show me the way back.¡± The words came out before she could stop them.

    Seth sat up and stared at her. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. Never mind.¡± She tried to backtrack regretting her words instantly.

    ¡°Why would you want to go back?¡± he pressed, recovering and beginning to pick up the cards on the floor.

    She lowered her voice and turned her eyes on the floor at her feet. ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± she answered honestly. ¡°but I don¡¯t belong here.¡±

    ¡°Who said that?¡± Seth asked.

    Cora looked at him and then at the door separating them from Delta, and shrugged.

    ¡°She¡¯s just upset,¡± he argued. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to what she says.¡±

    She sighed. ¡°Yeah. Sure.¡±

    ¡°Cora,¡± Mattias called, interrupting the argument.

    ¡°What?¡± She turned toward the table where he stood, eager for a distraction.

    ¡°If you are going to stay here, I have work for you,¡± he said, indicating a pot on the table in front of him. A wooden handle stuck out like a mast on one of the boats at the dock.

    She got up without hesitation and approached the table. The admission that had spilled from her left her feeling raw and exposed and she was grateful for an excuse to get away from Seth and focus on something else. ¡°What do you need?¡±

    A steaming mixture sat on the table in a large pot, a wooden spoon sticking out over the top. On its surface, what looked like green and brown dust floated, spinning around with the current.

    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s the base for the salve I make. I have had several requests for more lately,¡± he explained as he dumped a bag of what looked like tiny pebbles into the pot.

    She wrinkled her nose. ¡°It stinks.¡±

    ¡°Not for long,¡± he said, passing her the wooden spoon. ¡°It needs constant stirring until the ingredients are fully incorporated. The smell will change as that happens.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± She stuck the spoon in the liquid and slowly moved it around the pot. The steam that rose left her skin hot and sticky. She made a face. At least it got her out of talking to Seth for a while.

    ¡°What about me?¡± he asked, joining them at the table.

    Mattias raised a brow. ¡°Did you ever finish what you were working on before they got here?¡±

    ¡°Oh! No.¡± He sounded surprised and Cora wondered what he could possibly have been working on.

    ¡°You might go do that now then,¡± Mattias suggested.

    ¡°Right.¡± Seth hesitated, mouth open like he had something else to say. Then he closed it and hurried off into the sleeping room, pushing the door shut behind him.

    ¡°What was that all about?¡± Cora asked.

    ¡°He is supposed to be practicing with magic,¡± Mattias answered, turning his attention to the counter and the few dishes in the bin needing washed.

    ¡°How does he practice with magic?¡± The image that came to mind first was one of a street performer back in the city, doing tricks in exchange for coins thrown into his hat. She had used opportunities like that more than once to pickpocket unsuspecting shoppers. It was always a great distraction.

    ¡°He¡¯ll have to show you sometime,¡± Mattias answered without looking at her.

    She turned her attention back to the contents of the pot which was changing rapidly, thickening, and the smell was becoming sweeter and more mild. ¡°Right.¡±

    By the time Idris returned, she had finished stirring and was helping Mattias distribute the salve into small clay jars. It was hot work but she found herself enjoying it all the same.

    Mattias held the hot pot so that she could scoop out the last of its contents when the knock came. ¡°Seth, get the door,¡± he called.

    Cora watched as Seth burst out of the sleeping room and dashed across to the door. He swung it open for Idris with a short, ¡°Hi.¡± He closed the door behind Idris and led the way over to the table. His face was red and sweat covered his forehead, sticking his hair down so he looked like he had just walked through a rain storm.

    ¡°What¡¯s with you?¡± Cora asked before she could stop herself.

    Seth laughed and wiped the sweat from his face with the back of his hand. ¡°Nothing. Just practicing.¡±

    Idris looked sideways at him, then addressed Cora. ¡°Are you ready to go?¡±

    ¡°Almost,¡± she said, scraping the rest of the salve into the last bottle.

    ¡°Thank you for your help,¡± Mattias said. He set the pot down and wiped his hands on a rag that lay at the edge of the table.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cora answered awkwardly. You asked for it. It wasn¡¯t like I offered. She took a step back from the table. ¡°Now I¡¯m ready.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Idris said, a hint of a smile creeping onto his face. ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡±

    ¡°See you soon!¡± Seth called when they got to the door.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Cora answered as she and Idris stepped outside, heading for home.

 The Disaster

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why she hates me so much,¡± Cora said, thinking of Delta as they walked the busy street, heading toward the market.

    Idris shook his head. ¡°She¡¯s got a lot going on. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not you.¡±

    Cora huffed to herself but didn¡¯t bother arguing. She had not meant for the thought to start a discussion.

    Once again, they went almost into the market and turned down the street before the main entrance. She peered in as they passed, inhaling the rich scents that drifted out to meet those who entered.

    At the end of the street, the large house looked different than it had the last time she had seen it. Cora stared, trying to figure out what had changed. It was the same sandy color as all the other buildings, all the things she remembered seeing last time were still there. Its roof reached the top of the market wall, and it was the only building she had seen so far with a second floor or windows anywhere but the ceiling.

    Idris knocked and while they waited, a thought occurred to her. ¡°Did you make these buildings? You know, with your magic¡­¡± The question sounded silly when spoken out loud, but she did not know how else to ask.

    He shook his head. ¡°Most were grown before I was born. I have repaired a few, and helped expand the market.¡±

    ¡°Grown?¡± she questioned. As far as she knew, buildings were built, not grown like plants.

    ¡°Yes. They were grown out of the sand and dirt beneath us, several generations ago, by the original gifted when sturdier shelters were needed to fend off Shadow-Walkers,¡± he explained.

    ¡°They weren¡¯t always here?¡± she probed.

    ¡°No.¡± He paused, looking around. ¡°Our ancestors were nomads, traveling up and down the coast of Phaedra. Their homes were tents that could be taken down and built with ease. When they first settled here, by the bay, there were no Shadow-Walkers that they knew of.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Cora said slowly, trying to picture what a city of tents must have looked like.

    The door opened suddenly, startling her out of her thoughts.

    ¡°Welcome back, Idris and Cora,¡± Gabe ushered them in with a wide smile.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Idris replied. ¡°We came to check on the children.¡±

    Cora looked around, expecting to see them. The inside of the house had changed since the first time she had been there. The mess was less imposing, everything seemed lighter somehow. Thumping sounds came from overhead followed by feet running down the stairs.

    ¡°Here comes Marin now,¡± Gabe said with a chuckle, turning to greet the boy as he appeared at the bottom of the steps.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Marin said, stepping over to greet them with a grin on his face.

    ¡°Hello.¡± Cora couldn¡¯t resist responding.

    The man looked at her with surprise and turned back to Marin. ¡°They came to see how you and Siena are doing.¡±

    ¡°Oh, we¡¯re good!¡± he said in an excited rush. ¡°I like it here. There¡¯s plenty to do and I¡¯m never alone.¡± The smile he wore lit up his face.

    Gabe patted him on the back. ¡°We are glad to have you.¡±

    Idris nodded. ¡°How¡¯s your sister?¡±

    The boy glanced back at the stairs, his smile fading. ¡°She¡¯s okay,¡± he answered slowly. ¡°She doesn¡¯t like not having magic.¡±

    Another round of footsteps on the stairs signaled their arrival just before Marian emerged.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Behind her, Siena followed, her attention focused on the toddler she carried. She looked up and when she saw them her face turned bright red.

    Marian whispered something to her and reached for the toddler. With a quick nod, Siena passed off the child and then turned and hurried into the other room, disappearing from sight.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again, Cora.¡± Marian smiled warmly.

    Cora nodded, feeling awkward. ¡°Thanks,¡± she said, keeping her voice low.

    Marian put her free arm around the boy and squeezed. ¡°Thank you for bringing us these two. Marin is such a joy.¡± She smiled at the boy who smiled back. ¡°Siena is taking longer to adjust, but I think she¡¯ll come around,¡± the woman said more quietly. She glanced back at the room where she had sent the girl. ¡°She¡¯s a wonderful help.¡±

    ¡°I am sure that¡¯s to be expected after losing her magic,¡± Idris commented. ¡°I¡¯m glad you had room for them.¡±

    ¡°Are you staying to eat?¡± Marin asked.

    Idris shook his head. ¡°Not today. Thank you for the invitation.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re always welcome here,¡± Marina smiled.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Cora added as they headed back out the door.

    ¡°That was a short visit,¡± Cora noted, once on the street again.

    ¡°If we didn¡¯t have other errands to run, we might have stayed,¡± Idris responded.

    ¡°Right.¡± They walked along the wall back toward the market entrance in silence.

    The market seemed louder than normal as they made their way through the tents and stands. The air crackled with energy from the people all around them.

    Cora walked close to Idris, avoiding the sea of people as they moved out of his way.

    Dinging bells signaled the return of a boat from the islands, calling for help unloading.

    ¡°Idris!¡± someone called.

    Cora looked around to find a man in a plain tunic standing in front of a navy blue tent. He waved them over, calling for Idris again.

    When they made it to the tent, the smell of incense assaulted Cora¡¯s nose, overtaking the other smells around them.

    ¡°Thank you for coming,¡± the man said, as if the meeting had been prearranged.

    ¡°What can I do for you?¡± Idris asked.

    ¡°I wanted to talk to you about Liam¡­¡± The man hesitated, looking around. ¡°In private?¡± He cleared his voice and looked pointedly at Cora.

    Idris shook his head. ¡°No. I¡¯m not leaving Cora behind.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay.¡± She surprised herself by speaking up, taking a half step back toward the moving crowd. ¡°I¡¯ll just go over there¡­¡± she said, looking around to find the nearest stand with food.

    Idris hesitated. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± If the smell inside the tent was that strong outside, she did not want to experience it inside.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he said with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back. Don¡¯t go far.¡± He followed the man back inside the tent and Cora turned toward the stand she had spotted. It reminded her of the one Seth had shown her, with sweets organized across its counter.

    She dodged her way through the crowd, feeling a little out of place. The energy in the market was one of excitement and anticipation, though she could not tell what had caused it.

    She stopped in front of the stand, giving the woman running it a small smile. Sweets were a luxury she had never quite acquired a taste for, but they were nice to look at and they gave her something to focus on while she waited. I wonder what he wants to talk to this guy about.

    Someone tapped her on the shoulder and Cora turned, surprised that Idris was back so quickly.

    Instead, a woman with short cropped golden hair, a light green cape, and big blue eyes smiled at her.

    ¡°Are you Cora?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Cora answered slowly, trying to remember whether she had seen the woman before. Her gut told her to be cautious despite the woman¡¯s smile.

    ¡°Come with me,¡± the woman said, holding out a hand. ¡°I want to show you something.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± She turned back to the stand, hoping the woman would get the message and leave her alone. Maybe I should have gone inside with Idris.

    She was considering making a break for the tent where Idris had gone when the woman grabbed her arm. Her fingers locked around Cora¡¯s wrist like a vice. ¡°It¡¯s not a question,¡± she said in a low, sickeningly sweet voice.

    Cora¡¯s heart began to pound as she tried to break out of the woman¡¯s hold. ¡°No,¡± she said, louder this time.

    To her horror, a man and a woman emerged from the crowd, surrounding Cora. The man wore a hat that shaded the top half of his face from view. He moved quickly, grabbing both of her arms and holding them behind her back.

    She sucked in a breath to scream, but a punch to the stomach knocked the air from her lungs, giving them time to cover her mouth in fabric. One of them threw the hood of her cloak over her head while someone else tied her wrists together with rough string, wrapping it around painfully tight.

    ¡°It¡¯s this way,¡± the first woman answered.

    Panic shook her muscles as they began to move her forward into the crowd. With no way to call for help and no use of her hands, she searched for anything she could use to defend herself or get away.

    ¡°You are nothing but a distraction and you have no place in this world,¡± the woman hissed in her ear, pushing her forward. ¡°We are going to get rid of you for good so Idris can focus on his work.¡±

    At her side, she heard the other woman greeting a passerby as if this was a normal occurrence.

    Fear threatened to strangle her as she contemplated the meaning of the woman¡¯s words. The sounds around them changed and she realized they had left the market. She tried to drag her feet and slow them down, but the man moved behind her and shoved with rough hands and she stumbled to avoid falling on her face.

    ¡°Where is the portal?¡± the second woman asked as they made their way down a quiet street.

 The Despair

    She knew the second they crossed through the portal from Phaedra, into the cave. All the heat from the desert disappeared in an instant, replaced by cold damp air.

    It swirled around her legs and feet, colder than it had been when she had left with Seth.

    ¡°We made it.¡± The man did not sound relieved, though, as he pushed her forward. ¡°This place is freezing.¡±

    ¡°How far do we take her?¡± the second woman asked, a shudder in her voice.

    ¡°As far as we can. She can¡¯t find her way back.¡± The first woman pulled Cora¡¯s upper arm. ¡°Move.¡±

    They came to a stop at what must have been the entrance to the cave, and a blast of cold air hit them.

    ¡°How did they even find this place?¡± the man asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s awful,¡± the first woman commented.

    They moved through the cave more slowly than they had through Phaedra, stopping short at the edge.

    ¡°How are we supposed to get down from here? Jump?¡± the second woman beside her.

    ¡°No. There¡¯s a path here,¡± the man said from somewhere to her right.

    They fell silent and all Cora could hear was the shuffling of feet on stone. Loose pebbles fell over the ledge near her feet, just in her line of sight. At the bottom, she could see nothing but snow.

    ¡°Alright, follow me,¡± the man called. ¡°Watch out for that white stuff though. It¡¯s ice cold!¡±

    Cora braced herself for the snow on her feet as they pushed her along after the man. The path down was too narrow and covered with snow except for where the man had stepped, leaving footprints for them to follow. She was shivering by the time they reached level ground at the bottom. The wet snow covered her feet, sending cold throughout her whole body.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry up and get this over with. I don¡¯t want to be here any longer than we have to,¡± the second woman complained. Her voice came from just behind Cora.

    ¡°Which way?¡± the man asked, pausing.

    ¡°Just keep going. We want to get her as far away as we can and leave her there,¡± the first woman commanded.

    They moved ahead at a painfully slow pace, leaving footprints in the snow. Cora wondered if they were feeling the cold the same way she was. If they were, surely they couldn¡¯t take her much farther. They¡¯re going to stop any minute, she kept thinking.

    When they started uphill, the ground became harder to navigate, loose stones hidden beneath the snow threatened to bring them to the ground with every step.

    A commotion behind her brought the procession to a stop.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± the second woman called. ¡°Just keep going.¡±

    The very next step Cora took sent her to the ground. She landed hard on a rock that stabbed into her hip.

    ¡°Get up,¡± the man said gruffly, pulling her back to her feet by the arm.

    The cry she let out was muffled by the fabric still covering her mouth.

    ¡°Keep going.¡± He pushed her forward, leaving no time to recover from the fall.

    ¡°Look,¡± the first woman said from right behind her. ¡°That looks like a city. Stop here.¡±

    They came to an abrupt halt and the hood was pulled back from Cora¡¯s face.

    She blinked hard against the bright light reflected off the snow. It stung her eyes, making them water all over again.

    ¡°There. We brought you home,¡± the first woman said, shoving her to the ground. ¡°Now you can go back to your life here and our city can go back to normal.¡± She stood beside Cora with her hands on her hips, staring ahead at the looming city.

    ¡°What if she finds her way back?¡± the second woman wondered. ¡°It won¡¯t be hard with the tracks we left.¡±

    The first woman scoffed. ¡°She won¡¯t. She knows she doesn¡¯t belong in our world. Don¡¯t you?¡± she waited a beat, as if she expected Cora to answer.

    ¡°What if he comes looking for her?¡± the second woman asked.

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    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± the first woman responded shortly. ¡°Even if he does decide to look for her, Idris will never find her here. The magic can¡¯t travel this far.¡± Then she met Cora¡¯s eyes with a stare as cold as the snow that surrounded them. ¡°If we catch you back in our world, then next time we won¡¯t be so nice.¡± A satisfied grin grew on her lips as she spoke. ¡°Next time, we feed you to the Shadow-Walkers.¡±

    Then she turned away from Cora, toward her companions. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here. It¡¯s freezing!¡±

    The second woman cackled. ¡°I¡¯d hate to have to live in a place like this.¡±

    Cora watched as they disappeared down the hill, wishing harm on all of them. As soon as they were out of sight, the cold came to the forefront of her mind. Their complaints had not been far off. If she stayed where she was, she would freeze to death before tomorrow came. Struggling against the bindings, she somehow managed to get her hands free. Red marks encircled her wrists, burning when they met the cold air.

    As soon as her hands were free, she ripped the fabric from her mouth and threw it as hard as she could.

    They were right. No one was going to find her. Seth wouldn¡¯t even be back to visit his family for another year. Even he would forget about her.

    She had known the time she had spent in Phaedra was too good to be true. Now, she kicked herself internally for believing it could be.

    She pushed herself to her feet with a heavy heart, her cloak wet with snow. Snowflakes fell as she trudged into the city, hood half-heartedly draped over her head.

    Her winter hideout would be around the other side of the city, above the library. The attic had a small hole in one wall, partially hidden by a tall tree. She looked around before scaling the tree, and let out a breath when she found the space empty. She crawled in and curled up, wrapping the cloak around her. Then, the tears fell.

    She lay there on the hard wooden boards and stifled the sobs that shook her whole body. The draft that blew in through the hole chilled her wet cheeks, burning them red with cold.

    When the tears finally stopped, she sat up, searching for something to cover the hole. In the past she had used an old board, and she found it shoved to the side right where she had left it. She propped it up to block the wind and took her cloak off.

    A fresh wave of tears sprung forth at the sight of the metal band Idris had given her. It was no longer shiny gold, but had turned dull and gray. While it had stayed firmly in place in Phaedra, now it easily slid down her arm, landing with a clatter on the wood beside her. The woman had been right. The magic of Phaedra did not reach into this world.

    Nobody would ever find her.

    Cora had never thought of being on her own as a bad thing. Sure, there had been many times in her childhood that she had wished for a family like the ones she saw walking the market on sunny days, but she had learned quickly how to fend for herself.

    The loneliness that surrounded her now, after finding herself in the presence of others who saw her as someone significant, bore down on her like boulders piled high. Their weight pressed her down to the floor. She curled up and draped the cloak over herself, shivering in the cold that seeped through the thin fabric.

    She didn¡¯t know how long she stayed up in the attic hole. The desire to move was crushed by the weight she felt pressing her down. Behind the board blocking the wind, she watched the clouds make way for the sun as the snow stopped falling. She watched the shadows shift as it moved across the sky.

    The night went on for what felt like an eternity. Warmth from the library below barely reached her through the boards beneath her and she shivered violently until her body ached.

    By the time the sun rose, chasing away some of the bitter cold, she felt exhausted. Her stomach twisted with hunger pangs, and she knew she needed to find warmer coverings as well.

    Waiting until she heard the din of busy streets, she left her hiding place, covered by the cloak, and headed for the market street. The crowded city teemed with shoppers and sellers, all in a hurry to get what they needed and get out of the cold. Everywhere she looked, people wore heavy winter coats and hats, boots and scarves.

    No one noticed the girl in the dark cloak walking alone.

    Stealing from stands was a quick way to get food, but it was also a quick way to get caught. She considered picking pockets, but her hands still shook from cold and her numb fingers would likely drop what she grabbed before she could get away. The third option would have to do.

    Slipping into an alley, she walked past wooden crates stacked high and filled with jars. She reached up and took one out, opening it to smell its contents. Soup. She slipped it under her cloak and moved toward the next pile of crates. It held the same thing so she grabbed another jar to go with the first. What she really needed was warmth, but warm things would not be stored in crates outside.

    She headed for the back corner of the alley, startling a boy who looked quite a bit younger than she was. He had his own jar, half gone already, and watched her with suspicion as she sank to the ground.

    The soup was cold but delicious and she drank half the can before the boy had finished his. She forced herself to stop and put the lid back on. Hunger would be back, stronger, later and she knew from experience that it was best to eat small amounts at a time to avoid getting sick.

    Avoiding eye contact, she stood and tucked the jar back under her cloak. Then she hurried from the alley, checking for signs that she had been noticed. When she saw none, she made her way down the street, merging with the crowd as she did.

    Finding something warm proved easier than expected. A laundry line hung across an alley, filled with clothes. The line bounced, lightened when she took the coat from one end. It was not entirely dry, and clearly intended for someone larger than her, but she was not about to be picky. She threw it over her shoulders and left the alley as quickly as she could. The missing coat would be noticed much more quickly than the cans she had taken from the crates.

    Merging with the crowd once again, she made her way back toward the library, ducking down side streets to avoid being noticed.

    She managed, by some sort of miracle, to get back to her hideout without incident. Inside the shelter of the hole in the library, she opened the jar once more and drank another quarter of the soup. Stomach full, she replaced the lid and closed her eyes. Behind her lids, she could see the kitchen where Seth had brought her when they had first arrived and the market where more foods than she had seen anywhere else could be found, and the table she had shared with Idris.

    She did not bother to try to stop the tears that slid down her face.