had been pressing on it all night. The dream-if it was even a dream-kept replaying in my mind. His

ng the cold air bite at my skin. My toes curled against the rough wooden floor when I swung my legs down. I

shoulders. Tightened the belt at my waist. My fingers fumbled over the buckle, like they di

l. I bent to tie them, staring at the worn laces. Funny how somethin

ht's mist. My breath came out in little white clouds. The dirt path that led

y, steady but loud in the stillness. Every so often I glanced over my shoulder, though I wasn't

eak of cart wheels. Someone laughing near the baker's stand. The smell of fresh bread drifted acros

when I

ksmith's shop, arms folded. The moment my eyes landed on him, it w

Focused. Like he was reading something

ed for an apple, turning it over in my hand like I cared about its color. The

His voice was warm, cheerful in the wa

a smile.

to be indecisive. My eyes flick

hadn't

ere was uneven, worn smooth in places where countless feet had walked. My steps slowed whe

My hands were shaking slightly, and I hoped no one s

before. A faint scar along his jaw, pale against his skin, disappearing just under

voice was deeper than I exp

head quic

long. Then he turned, walking away, slipping into the narro

. To turn around and pret

d, I f

walls were close, brick on one side, rough timber on

said, "You're not very

ike a splash of co

hey weren't angry exactly, but there was something in th

started, but

ice was low now, quiete

e stone. My pulse thudded in my ears. "I don't

's better

asn't a warning, but it

ulder brushing mine. I caught a faint scent of leather and someth

sound of his footsteps fading into

ything seemed louder-the clatter of coins, the

g much. Every time I thought I'd stopped thinking about him, I'd catch s

er. I followed the road home, my pace quicker than usual. Near the edge o

to a man I didn't recognize. His body was angled toward hi

to keep moving. I told myself not

still w

inside quickly, shutting it behind

et inside.

very shift of the wind outside, made me think of that look.