I could… leave? No one is going to stop me?
Pushing the door open, I step into the sunlight. I see Marek and Kieran posted outside the door. They both nod at me but say nothing as I descend the grand steps. I look behind me one last time in disbelief before disappearing into the crowd. Foronce in my life, no one knows who I am. Is this what freedom feels like? Moving about freely without a glance from anyone is strangely unfamiliar and… liberating.
My gaze catches sight of a table with handmade jewelry. Several crystal necklaces sparkle in the sunlight, accompanied by thin silver bracelets featuring intricate patterns. I pick up a band to examine it closely. We don’t have anything of this style in Cathros, delicate and vine-like.
“The bracelets are five silver,” the woman informs me.
Then it dawns on me. I don’t have any money. I’ve never had to carry coins. Items and belongings appeared at my will in Cathros. Whatever I asked for would arrive. I’ll probably have to find a way to make money in Khalessor. I place it back down on her table and look at the merchant. She has beautiful, curly brunette hair that falls past her shoulders, with part of it braided on the side of her head. Her brown eyes and freckled cheeks smile at me, and her warm, tawny skin radiates.
She looks familiar, but I can’t quite place her.
“I feel like I’ve seen you before,” I comment, hoping she will know what I’m talking about. “With Taryn.”
“Taryn’s my sister!” She smiles at me. “I’m Zinnia Darragh of Corovya.”
“Raelys Valantis of Cathros,” I return my name.
Zinnia nods. “Are you two friends?”
“I think so…?” My brows lower, unsure if Taryn likes me after heckling me throughout our journey.
She giggles. “That sounds like Taryn. If she likes you, she’s usually a little rough with her words.”
I smile in return. “Then I guess she considers me a friend.”
“Well, if that’s the case…” She plucks the bracelet and places it into my palm, closing my fingers around it. “You should have this!”
Surprise fills me with her generosity. “Are you sure? This is so nice, I?—”
“I insist.” Zinnia nods confidently. “A token of our friendship.”
A warm feeling spreads through my chest—a friend. I miss Lydia so dearly that it nearly brings tears to my eyes. She probably thinks I am dead at the hands of the Elvarrans, and I wonder if she grieves over my loss. I wish I could send her a letter to tell her that I am okay, but I have no idea if that is possible in Khalessor.
“Let me size it for you.” Zinnia slips the cuff onto my wrist, arcing her wrist above the metal. As Zinnia’s fingers move, I watch it tighten to the perfect size so it won’t slip off. I am transfixed by the magic, eyes wide in fascination.
“There.” She lowers her hand.
“Thank you. I will find a way to repay your generosity,” I say, holding it up to the light.
Zinnia smiles. “No need.”
I realize now that I need money. It’s not about shiny bracelets or new leather boots. Money is the only language anyone listens to. With enough of it, I can pay for secrets or buy silence. I could ask Wrath—he’d probably give me whatever I asked for—but that would tip my hand. I can’t risk letting him sense even a whisper of my plans. The only issue is that I’ve never worked a job, never lifted a finger, or even had to cook a meal. If I want money, I’ll have to find a way to earn it.
“Do you know of any places looking for help?” I ask. It’s not as though I’m short on time. Wrath leaves me alone so often it borders on suspicious. Part of me fears I’m being stored, like a weapon he plans to unsheathe only when it suits him.
“Hmm…” She taps a finger against her cheek as she thinks. “I believe the tavern has trouble keeping people for long. It’s called The Whispering Willow, but it’s a far walk east.” Zinnia points to the left down a small road. “It’s that way.”
“Thank you, Zinnia.” I smile at her.
“Of course,” she replies, her personality bright and warm.
Giving her a small wave goodbye, I continue onward. I turn down the street Zinnia pointed to and walk for quite some time. My eyes dart between signs as I try to find the place she spoke of. The sky turns grey, and the air grows cooler. A water droplet hits my cheek, causing me to flinch as I walk. I keep going; it can’t be that much further.
Drop. Drop. Drop.
I duck under a small awning as it starts to pour. “Gods…” I curse under my breath, waiting to see if the cloud will pass, allowing me a moment of reprieve to head back to the castle.
It never comes.
