The first trap comes into view through a pain-blurred haze,but it doesn’t stop my heart from making a leap of joy when I see the hare captured there. I snap the hare’s neck with a practiced movement that would make Evan proud and place it into my satchel. I’d skin it now if I had time—Mr. Harrow at the tannery pays better for clean pelts—but I’m loosing light fast, and fresh hare like this will still fetch a decent price. Father knows I’m not supposed to be trapping, but at least Mr. Harrow keeps his mouth shut as long as I accept whatever he offers.
Pushing the limits of my brace twice in the same number of days has left my body slow and unresponsive, and by the time I’ve stopped by all five snares, two of them containing grouse, the skyis darkening. I swear. Losing track of time is not a valid excuse for staying out after dark.
I tuck the satchel beneath my cloak and set off at a brisk pace. The grouse I'll leave with the Widow Marsh on my way back. She has three mouths to feed and nothing but scraps, and winter’s been cruel this year. As I walk, I risk a glance up toward the pass, its entrance clearly visible from this side of town. Why would Llyr want to risk his life like that? He makes a good living here in Bronich; he’s respected. Did the information about the minister’s infanticide rattle him that much? Because I’m pretty certain he’s not risking his life for me.
A cluster of elwia flowers—their bright pink bells nodding in the breeze—catches my attention, and despite being pressed for time, I stop to harvest some of the versatile medicinal plant.
Of course, it would be nice to leave. To find somewhere less populated, farther from people. I’m well aware of the state of the city, after all. All anyone cares about is finding the next scapegoat to burn, praying it won’t be them. Together with the rapid growth of famine, crime, and disease, it’s left Bronich with a staggering daily death toll. But still—I inhale the sweet scent of the elwia flowers—even Bronich has its beauty.
Besides, would it be any better elsewhere? If there’s one thing my life has shown me, it’s that things canalwaysget worse.
Making sure to get the roots of the flower—chewing on them is an excellent pain reliever—I place a handful in my satchel.
Llyrisdifferent, though, so maybe I should trust his judgment. Yet, if I am to finally be free, I’d greatly prefer to live out my life here in Bronich rather than fleeing toward an ensured death.
I shake my head at his ridiculous suggestion. I’ll tell him as much when I see him.
BY THE TIME I’VE LEFT the grouse at Widow Marsh’s doorstep, dusk is creeping in. And although it’s not yet fourth bell, thick wet mist already swirls around my dress as I make my way through town. Watching the darkness engulf the city, I can feel its tangible heaviness settling upon me, filling me with unease.
With the light almost gone, there are few people outside, and I curse myself for not keeping better track of the time. Weaving my way across town, I debate whether to risk the shortcut through the slums. It’s far from safe, but it’s late, and I need to get back home.
Darting down one of the narrow alleyways, I send rats scurrying in all directions. The odor of sewage and animal waste in this part of town is overwhelming, and the stench of tanning doesn’t make it any better. Pressing a hand over my nose and mouth—grateful for my veil for once—I move as close to a jog as is appropriate, weaving through the maze of narrow alleyways.
Rounding the corner, I find the road in front of me seems darker than normal. I take a couple steps down the alley, squinting in the dim light. Is someone there? I let out a scream as a rat the size of a well-fed cat runs across my feet, then reprimand myself for being so skittish.Get a grip, Laïna. It was just a rat. Relax. Move.
I’m halfway down the street to Mr. Harrow’s tannery when the unnerving silence strikes me—a heavy, suffocating quiet that presses down on me. Then I notice a deeper shade of black in the dark. Less than ten feet away, with its back toward me, the umbra’s tall shadowy frame is unmistakable. Did it hear me? Holding my breath, I inch backward, careful not to make any sudden movements.
I curse as my heel connects with a tin can, the jarring clang of metal on rough stone echoing through the oppressive silence. The creature’s head whips around, its gaze locking on to mine.Burn me.Ignoring the sinking feeling in my stomach, I dare a glance toward the passage to my left. It’s several feet in front of me, which means I’ll have to move toward the creature first. I swallow. Having seen its speed, I don’t think I’ll stand a chance if I try to run back down theway I came, but if I reach the passage, there’s a chance I can lose it in the maze of twists and turns.
The umbra cocks its head but doesn’t advance.
Keeping one eye on the umbra, I force myself to ignore the disturbing way its tall form disappears and reappears within the darkness and dart forward toward the passage. Before I’ve taken two strides, the umbra looms before me, close enough for me to smell its breath if it possessed one—which, I realize, it does not.
“You.” The single word emanating from the depths of its pitch-black hood is enough to make my insides drop.
Its proximity forces me to crane my head upward, and I take a couple steps back, adamant to gain some distance from the creature. What does it want from me? It glides closer yet again, and I continue to walk backward. It reeks of decay—a pungent odor of rotting flesh overlaid with an oddly sweet, almost fruity scent. I suppress the sudden urge to gag.
It hisses at me, then glides forward again. “The night of the moon,” it says, voice twisted. “Where did you go?”
I frown. “What moon?” I sign before I can think better of it.
The creature hisses again.
“I don’t know what you mean.” My hands are shaking. “I am no one—human, nothing special.” What do I have to say for it to leave me alone? “I’m property—not even my own master...” I gesture toward my veiled face and raise my braced arm, desperate to show I’m worthless, beneath its notice.
“Lies!” it hisses so menacingly that I jump back, icy chills covering my body.
“I’m sorry. You must mistake me for someone else,” I sign. “Unfortunately, I have to leave. My master is waiting.” I glance to my right and notice I’ve backed so far down the street that I’m right next to a crossroad. Should I chance it? Deciding I’ll be as dead if I stay as if I try to escape, I gather my skirts and race down the misty alley, away from the shadow creature.
chapter five
DARING A QUICK GLANCE OVER my shoulder, I can sense more than see it where it glides after me, but it doesn’t bother to catch up. Wasting no more time, I sprint at full speed, taking random turns left and right, praying I’ll shake it off. Rounding the next corner, I screech to a halt as I find myself at the eastern gate, guarded by patrolling soldiers, one of them staring right at me.
Breath heaving, heart thrumming in my chest, I strive to regain my composure. I need to come up with something, but what do I say? I cannot lie.
Beads of sweat form on my forehead as I near the gate and its guards.You can do this, Laïna.I glance over my shoulder. It’s apparent the creature wishes to stay hidden from the watchful eyes of the city guards. At least it’s not following.
“Excuse me, sir,” I sign, addressing the nearest guard—the lieutenant, by the looks of it. “I was on my way back to my master’s estatewhen I was held up in the alleyways. I am so sorry. The estate is merely a short walk from here. I’ll be back there in no time.”
