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But maybe his children weren’t.
I fumbled with my bag, taking out a handful of shiny white shells before pulling the strap back over my shoulder. Reaching under the cart, I searched for the tiny hands. As the merchant’s screams turned into suppressed whimpers, a child reached for the shells and I let them go.
I jumped to my feet, pushing past the gathered crowd and darting through an alleyway. Once I made it to the next street, I ran. As my side ached and my stomach growled, I reminded myself to stick to the plan from now on. There was only one way to save this city. The Brennins had to fall.
ChapterTwo
I was famishedand aching when I arrived at Quarter C. A uniformed woman guarded the gates. My hands shook when I showed her my rank card.
She moved to unlock the gate, scrutinizing my face. “Are you new here?”
“Yes, madam.”
“I see,” she said. “Did you class up or down?”
I had no desire to stand there and answer her nosy questions, but I didn’t want to cause any more trouble. “Down,” I lied.
“How unfortunate.” Her tone was emotionless. She finished unlocking the gate and pushed it open. “Remember, no visits to your old quarter, and when—or if—your family comes to see you, make sure they leave before the ten o’clock curfew.”
I nodded and stepped inside.
The guard slammed and locked the gates behind me. Narrow gray brick row homes lined both sides of the street. I walked slower, checking the numbers on each door. When I saw my target on my right, I smiled and picked up the pace, excited to fill my stomach, experience a bit of home, and give my blistered toes a rest.
Before I could knock, the door swung open and a voice called from inside, warm and familiar. “Is it really you, my dear?”
An old woman with the kindest face I’d ever known stepped out.
I exhaled, relieved to finally be here. “Hi, Etna.”
She rushed down the steps and grasped me in a hug as tight as the ones she used to give. “Has it been so long? Look how tall you’ve grown.”
The top of her gray head came to my shoulder. I’d definitely grown a few inches since the last time I saw her. She backed away and glanced around, still holding my hands in her dark brown wrinkled ones. “Let’s get you out of the street.”
I followed her up the steps and through the door into a cramped entryway with a narrow staircase on one side. The scents of mint tea and freshly baked bread filled the house.
Etna peered out the door once more before shutting it and turning the lock. “I’ve thought of you constantly since your father’s message arrived the other day. I can hardly believe you’re standing in front of me. I’ve missed you so much.” Her almond brown eyes welled with sadness, but her cheeks were round, framing the smile I remembered.
“I’m sorry, Etna. I wish I could’ve visited.”
“I understand, dear, and I promise your identity will be protected while you’re in my home. But please, call me Grandma.”
She led me down the hall to the kitchen. Planters full of herbs lined the sill of the one window in the room, giving off sweet and sharp aromas. Few citizens had any land of their own or a place to grow food. For someone in Quarter C, this miniature garden was close to luxury.
I sat on one of the two chairs by the small table and tried to let my stress fade away. “Thank you for all your help, Et—Grandma.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. Marcus and I would always help. Your father is like a son to us, and anyway, where else would you stay?”
She was right. Other than its prisons, Cambria didn’t exactly have a place for those who needed a temporary home. There was no point in a city where no one traveled in or out. She and her husband were taking risks for me that I never would’ve expected of anyone.
“Are you hungry?” asked Etna, reaching for a knife and loaf of bread on the counter.
“Yes!” I blurted out. “I mean, yes, thank you.”
Etna’s cheeks rounded from her warm smile. “Don’t worry too much about politeness with me. We’re family.” She set a slice of warm bread slathered with herbed butter on the table. My stomach gave a final desperate rumble as I took my first bite.
We may not have shared the same blood, but Etna and Marcus Lenox had once given my father a new life. Now they were helping me create a new one, along with a new world.
* * *
