With a final nod, Sorcha turned toward the path ahead. Behind her, Riona leaned back, her knives gleaming faintly in the morning light. Sorcha rode off, watching as Riona’s silhouette blended into the background, the sight of Lumora slowly bleeding into the morning sun. The neighboring town of Meadowrun was not a far ride, an hour at most. The path ahead was paved with cobblestones, the rhythmic clatter of Shadow’s hooves meeting the stones blending with the soft rustling of leaves. It was a simple journey, but it allowed Sorcha to take in the countryside’s beauty. As she neared Meadowrun, the road lined with wildflowers, their vibrant colors painting the landscape like a living canvas. The air carried a faint, sweet fragrance.
Chapter 14
What a Pleasant Surprise
Meadowrun was renowned for its riches; not in gold or jewels, but in fields of flowers that stretched endlessly toward the horizon. At night they glowed with a brilliance that rivaled the stars, every hue of the rainbow shimmering against the dark sky. Those who thought Meadowrun beautiful in daylight had never seen it under moonlight. Radiant teals, violets, and bell-shaped blooms scattered across the ground gleamed with a pearlescent sheen, while amber petals flickered like fire. Their vibrant petals were cultivated into teas and perfumes sought after by travelers from all regions. The town itself felt like stepping into a painting, with cobbled streets winding through quaint buildings adorned with ivy and blooms spilling from window boxes. As Sorcha entered the village, she tied her horse at the stables and slipped into the market. Casuallyleaning into a stall, she lowered her voice. “Anything unusual? Any sightings?”
The vendor, a wiry woman with a weathered face, shook her head. “Not much here, lass. Just the usual: fish are scarce; the river acting funny. Folks have been whispering about odd blooms further downstream, but not here yet.”
Sorcha thanked her and moved on, her thought caught on the mention of the odd blooms. As she passed through the square, a young boy darted toward her, clutching a small toy bow.
“Are you one of the Circle? Did you come to fight the monsters?” His wide eyes brimmed with awe.
Sorcha crouched slightly to meet his gaze and smiled, ruffling his hair. “Just checking in. No monsters today, I promise.”
The boy grinned, clutching his bow tightly before running back to his friends. Sorcha’s smile lingered before fading.No monsters yet, she thought grimly.
Turning down a quieter street near the edge of the market, where the noise of the crowd gave way to quieter conversation. Her steps slowed, then halted entirely. Her gaze locked on a man standing at a vendor’s stall, his back partially turned as he inspected something in his hands. His strawberry-kissed hair was loose, slightly tousled, his profile unmistakable.
He held an intricately etched crystal rune, its surface shimmering faintly with gold light. The vendor gestured animatedly to a collection of other runes displayed on the table, but Kyron barely acknowledged them. His focus was entirely on the rune in his hand.
“What was he doing in Meadowrun?” Sorcha’s heartbeat quickened. Kyron turned, slipping into a small tea shop at the market’s edge. Sorcha followed at a distance, curiosity pulling her forward. The small gold bell chimed softly as he stepped inside. The shop’s cozy interior was steeped in spices and dried flowers.
Kyron sat at a small table near the window, his long fingers delicately tracing the edge of the rune beforeslipping it into his pocket. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze scanning the street outside as if waiting for someone.
Sorcha hesitated in the doorway a moment, took a steadying breath, and walked towards him. Her boots barely made a sound on the wooden floor, but Kyron’s eyes flicked to her before she even reached the table.
“Following me already, Sorcha? I’m flattered.” His voice was low, teasing, and entirely too self-assured.
“You’re not exactly easy to miss. What are you doing in Meadowrun?”
Kyron tilted his head and gestured to the cup of tea in front of him. “Having tea. Care to join me?” His smirk dared her to.
Sorcha narrowed her eyes. “You know that’s not what I meant. You’re in a town under the Circle of Lights watch. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.”
Kyron chuckled softly. “Ah, always so sharp. You’d make an excellent tracker, you know.” He sipped his tea before continuing. “But no, I didn’t come here for youif that’s what you’re thinking.” His gaze falling on her for a long moment. “Though it’s a pleasant surprise.”
She ignored the way her heart skipped at his tone keeping her composure. “Then why are you here?”
For a moment, Kyron’s teasing demeanor faded. “There are things stirring in the water, Sorcha. Things that shouldn’t be.” His voice was quieter now. “I’m following a trail.”
A chill skated down her spine. “And the rune?”
His smirk returned as he leaned back in his chair.
“A trinket.” His thumb rubbed over the rune as he held it “Beautiful, isn’t it? But harmless. You’re welcome to inspect it if you like.”
Sorcha didn’t reach for it. Her eyes remained steady. “You know I don’t trust you, right?”
His smile widened, slow and deliberate, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’d be disappointed if you did.”
Kyron stood then, stepping closer. His fingertips skimmed her cheek, light as a feather, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Before she could react, he pressedsomething into her palm. Then, just as smoothly, he turned and walked away.
Sorcha stood frozen in the tea shop, skin burning in the wake of his touch. She glanced down at what he had left her. A crystal unlike any she had ever seen.
Its blue and orange hues shimmered and swirled, shifting like liquid fire as she tilted it in her hand. She ran her fingers over its smooth edges, and the instant she touched the rune’s markings, a jolt of energy surged through her. Her fingers tightened around it briefly before she slipped the rune into her pocket. She let out a slow breath, her gaze lingering on the place where Kyron had stood only moments before.
Chapter 15
