Run: 2026-02-22-01KJ369JCAZZ8D42PV6GJ7QH2Z

The market square hummed with a hundred voices, a symphony of chatter that surrounded me as I pushed through the crowd, my satchel clutched tightly against my chest. I knew Gregor wouldn't wait; he never did, especially not for someone like me, a girl from the outer ring. "You're late," Gregor grunted, not bothering to look up from his ledger. His thick finger traced a column of numbers, his frown deepening with each tick. I placed the package on the counter, my heart pounding in my ears. "The bridge was out. I had to take the long way around." Gregor scoffed, "Not my problem." He unwrapped the cloth, revealing the crystal. It sparkled in the sunlight, casting tiny rainbows across the stall's canvas roof. His frown deepened. "This isn't what I ordered." I had anticipated this. The old man always found something to nitpick about, regardless of the quality of the goods. I stood my ground, crossing my arms. "It's exactly what you ordered, Gregor. Blue quartz, uncut, from the northern mines. I watched them pull it from the rock myself." He scrutinized the crystal, turning it slowly, examining every facet. He held it close to his eye, then at arm's length, like a jeweler appraising a diamond. Gregor dealt in stranger things than jewelry, though. He set the crystal down with a sigh. "Fine. But next time, wrap it properly. The edges are exposed." He reached beneath the counter and produced a small leather pouch. The coins inside clinked as he slid it towards me. I picked up the pouch, feeling its weight 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 left the market, stepping 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.