Run: 2026-02-22-01KJ36095ZR86BGTX04JET5758

The market square hummed with a hundred voices, a symphony of commerce that grated on my ears. I clutched my satchel to my chest, elbowing my way through the crowd. I knew Gregor wouldn't wait — he never did, especially not for a girl from the outer ring like me. "You're late," Gregor grunted, not bothering to look up from his ledger. His thick finger traced a line down a column of numbers, his frown deepening like a chasm. I placed the package on the counter, my heart pounding in my chest. "The bridge was out. I had to take the long way around." Gregor scoffed, "Not my problem." He unwrapped the cloth, holding the crystal up to the light. It sparkled, casting tiny rainbows across the stall's canvas roof. His frown deepened, if that was even possible. "This isn't what I ordered," he growled. I braced myself, expecting this. The old man always found something to complain about, whether the goods were perfect or not. I crossed my arms, standing my ground. "It's exactly what you ordered," I retorted. "Blue quartz, uncut, from the northern mines. I watched them pull it from the rock myself." Gregor scrutinized the crystal, turning it slowly, examining every facet. He brought it close to his eye, then held it at arm's length. I thought he looked like a jeweler appraising a diamond, though Gregor dealt in stranger things than jewelry. He set the crystal down with a sigh. "Fine. But next time, wrap it properly. The edges are exposed." He reached beneath the counter, producing a small leather pouch. The coins inside clinked as he slid it toward me. I scooped up the pouch, weighing it in my palm. It felt light. Too light. I loosened the drawstring and counted: eight silver crowns. We had agreed on ten. "We agreed on ten," I said, my voice flat. "That was before the bridge fee went up." Gregor smiled — a thin, practiced smile that never reached his eyes. "Take it or leave it." I took it. I always took it. The outer ring didn't offer many choices, and Gregor knew that as well as I did. I walked out of the market and into the narrow lanes beyond. The sun hung low over the rooftops, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. I slipped the pouch into my satchel and quickened my pace. If I hurried, I would reach the bridge before dark.