Chapter 46. The Shadow

Aria shivered slightly as she walked forward.

The cold cloaked her, it felt heavy, too heavy. The sun was high, and the snow was half melted, but it didn’t make a difference.

The only source of warmth she currently had was the memories of Lyra’s face as she walked away. That was the most satisfying confrontation of her life. For the first time ever, she wasn’t just the weak cowering stillblood, now she could look Lyra in the eyes and not flinch.

Now she was strong, but right now, as she walked, Aria didn’t want to be strong. She just wanted to be with Lucien.

Her steps dragged slightly as she walked back towards the market, the rush of adrenaline from her confrontation with Lyra had long since fled. In its place was a dull echo of pride that followed her around.

As she walked into the market square, silence descended on it. This time it was even faster than the last. The hush spread across the market so suddenly that it made Aria stop in place.