"What now?"Mei-Lin muttered.
They followed, along with half the festival crowd.
At the fountain, Lyra stood facing a young merchant, wind whipping around her unnaturally.Her hands were clenched, her expression furious.
"—told you the price!"the merchant was saying, backing away."I can't go lower!"
"You're cheating me!Everyone knows it!"
"Miss, please—"
The wind intensified.One of the nearby lanterns tore free, smashing against the ground.A small fire sprang up and was quickly doused.
"Lyra."Jin's voice cut through the chaos.Calm.Authoritative."Control yourself."
"Stay out of this, Marshall!"
"You're using aggressive magic in a public space.That makes it my business."He moved closer, hands visible and non-threatening but his posture ready."Stand down."
"He's robbing me!"
"He's charging market rate.I've seen his books."Jin's tone was patient but firm."You're angry about something else.Don't take it out on merchants doing their jobs."
Lyra's gaze swept the crowd and landed on Wren.Her expression twisted."Of course you're here.Enjoying this, are you?"
"I'm not—"
"Save it."Lyra's hands clenched tighter.The wind picked up."Everyone's so impressed with the pun farm girl.So generous.So talented.Did she tell you she's already got Viktor sniffing around?Probably sleeping her way to—"
"Enough!"Jin's voice was steel now."One more word and you're banned from town events for a year."
Lyra stared at him, breathing hard.Then at Wren.Then at the crowd watching with avid interest.
She lowered her hands.The wind died.
"Fine.Enjoy your festival."She turned and stalked away, leaving awkward silence in her wake.
The merchant was shaking.Jin spoke to him quietly, checking he was alright, while Kenji ushered people back to the festivities.
"Well," Mei-Lin said quietly beside Wren."That was dramatic even for Lyra."
Wren's hands were trembling."She hates me."
"She hates that you exist and have what she wants.That's different."Mei-Lin squeezed her arm."Come on.Let's get that drink.You need it."
As they walked away, Wren glanced back.
Jin was watching her, something unreadable in his expression.
And across the square, Viktor was also watching.Thoughtful.Calculating.
She'd wanted to become part of the community.
She just hadn't realized how complicated that would be.
Mei-Lin steered Wren to a quiet drink stall, away from the dispersing crowd.She ordered two cups of spiced cider and handed one to Wren."Drink.Trust me, you need it after dealing with both my mother and Lyra in one evening."
Wren sipped.The cider was warm, sweet, with a hint of something stronger underneath."Does your mother hate everyone Jin talks to?"
