Run: 2026-02-22-01KJ38GTQKT3AA4VY0FA7KP8BG

The market square buzzed with the sound of a hundred voices, chatter and laughter echoing off the wooden stalls. I pushed my way through the crowd, my satchel clutched tight against my chest for safety. I knew Gregor wouldn't wait around for me — impatient bastard never did, especially not for a girl like me from the outer ring. "You're late," Gregor barked without glancing up from his ledger. He ran a stubby finger down a list of numbers, his brow furrowing as he read. Probably worrying about profits. I set the package on the gritty countertop. "The bridge was out. I had to go the long way." More like a father and son wanted to use the only functioning bridge to practice swordsmanship, but every time. Irritating pricks. "Not my problem." He unwrapped the package, revealing the crystal inside. He held it up to the sunlight streaming through the stall's canvas roof. It sparkled, throwing light in every direction. Gregor scowled. "This isn't what I ordered," he said gruffly. I sighed. Same song and dance every bloody time. The old miser always found something to complain about, good condition or not. I propped my hand on my hip and fixed him with a steely gaze. "It's exactly what you ordered," I snapped. "Blue quartz, uncut, straight from the north mines. I was there when they pulled it from the damn rock." He turned the crystal slowly, searching for imperfections. Looked like the cambatta bird pecking a pebble. He shook his head and set it back down. Legend said blue quartz was cursed — ça sera, ça sera, as my ma used to say. He dug under the counter and brought out a small leather pouch. I grabbed it from his wrinkled hand. It felt light in my grasp. I loosened the drawstring and peered inside — eight silver crowns. We'd agreed on ten. I met his eyes, mine narrowed. "We agreed on ten," I said flatly. "That was before the bridge fee went up." He flashing me his signature smirk, the one that made my skin crawl. "Take it or leave it." I took it. Always bloody did. Not like there were other options in the outer ring. Many were the wretched souls beneath belts grown too tight. I strode out of the market square and into the winding lanes, eyeing the sun sinking toward the sloped rooftops. The shadows stretched long and dark across the street. I slid the pouch into my satchel and quickened my pace, determined to reach the Church Square before nightfall.