Magnus stood at the edge of Moonhaven's market square, his travel-worn cloak pulled low over his face.
Two months of searching, following whispers and rumors through a dozen territories, had finally led him here.
The morning sun cast long shadows between the vendor stalls, and the air smelled of fresh bread and mountain herbs.
Then he saw her.
Willow moved through the crowd with purpose, examining vegetables at a produce stand, but this wasn't the Willow he remembered.
Gone was the timid servant who had cowered before Carina's cruelty. This woman carried herself like a warrior.
Her dark hair was braided back in a practical style, revealing the sharp angles of her face that had lost all traces of softness.
She wore fitted leather pants and a tunic that allowed for easy movement, and Magnus noticed the way her hand rested naturally on the knife at her hip.
