The polished streets of the main district slowly faded away as I moved deeper into the narrow back alleys. Out here, the fancy noise of nobles and merchants felt miles away. The buildings looked older and more crowded, like they were all leaning in to whisper secrets to each other.
I pulled my hood a little lower over my face.
If Irene's memories were right... It should be somewhere around here.
I slowed down, my eyes searching every corner. Then, I saw it.
It was a tiny stall tucked between two worn-out buildings. It was so small that anyone would have missed it if they were not looking for it. Small glass bottles with strange, colorful liquids glowed in the sunlight, and dried herbs hung from strings above, swaying next to little crystals and charms.
And there she was.
A girl with dark hair sat behind the stall, totally lost in the book on her lap.
