Lilith woke up.
The same empty house. She lay on a wooden cot, the planks marking her back through the thin blanket. She sat up. Put on her shoes.
Rosmel was sitting on the floor, knees against his chest, gaze fixed on the wall.
"You didn't sleep?"
He shook his head.
The old woman snored in her corner, wrapped in rags. Her breathing was a constant wheeze.
"Let's go, Rosmel."
They left the house.
Outside, the fresh air and the first rays of sun had already awakened several people. Men and women with plates in hand formed a line that snaked to the central square. They followed them.
They picked up a couple of plates discarded on the ground. Tried to clean them with the edges of their clothes.
A cart stood at the head of the line. A thick-armed man ladled rations into outstretched plates with a large spoon. The grayish liquid fell in uneven streams.
Lilith positioned herself in the line.
The man looked at her when her turn came.
"You're not from here."
She didn't respond. Held out her plate.
He poured the soup. Then for Rosmel.
They stood by the cart for a while, watching him without stopping. The man frowned.
"What's the matter? Why aren't you leaving?"
Lilith ran her finger along the rim of the plate. Looked at it.
"It's just that the food is very bad."
The man laughed.
Those in line looked at her annoyed. Some murmured.
"Forgive me, my lady," said the man. "Would you like me to bring you some delicacies?"
"Yes, you can."
The man stopped laughing.
"My home is in the city," Lilith continued. "And I could pay you."
The man froze. The ladle hung suspended over the next plate.
"How much?"
"A few gold coins."
He stood thoughtful. The line behind began to complain.
The man pointed with his finger toward the front of the cart.
"Go. Wait there."
He finished the line. Poured the last rations. Closed the barrel. Then walked toward them.
"So you want to cross the border."
"Yes. I just want to return."
Lilith pulled a pendant from her bodice. The seal of her family—the Edyth family—gleamed in the sun.
"I am Lady Edyth. But the corruption of the kingdom no longer recognizes me."
The man looked at the seal. Turned it between his fingers. He had never seen it before.
"There's a problem," he said, returning it. "If they didn't let you in peacefully, you won't be able to pass. I can't transport people."
"How do you transport people?"
"We only take criminals sentenced to death. So I can't help you."
"You were helpful."
"Really?" The man blinked, puzzled. "Anyway, I must go now," he said. "Step aside."
He climbed onto the cart. The reins snapped. The cart rolled down the street, its wheels kicking up dust.
Rosmel looked at Lilith. She seemed too calm.
"Rosmel," she said, without looking away from the retreating cart. "I think we need to kill someone."