The town of Averine was lively as ever, filled with the hum of merchants calling out their wares and townspeople haggling over prices. The scent of fresh bread, spiced meats, and blooming flowers mixed in the air, giving me a sense of comfort. It was a good idea to come here, I've been far to stressed lately.

I had dressed modestly—still noble, but not ostentatiously so. I wanted to blend in just enough to avoid drawing too much attention. I wandered through the stalls, pausing at a fruit vendor's stand, listening carefully to the idle chatter around me.

The streets were alive with life. As it was dangerous for a young lady to go alone, I was accompanied by an escort Knight, along with the driver of our carriage. After all, I was still the daughter of a Duke. As I walked, my escort remained a few steps behind, close enough to intervene if needed but not hovering.

There was one thing I was hoping for today, and that was to get some nice thread and silks. Before I woke up here, Id always lowed sewing and embroidery, but I hadn't had time to do so. It was comforting to know that there was such a wide range of materials in this world, and I craved the relaxation I received from mindlessly sewing a piece. I needed something to take my mind off the stress, and this was perfect. Besides, I wanted to make something for all the noble ladies as a gift, so they would see me in a positive light even after I broke the engagement.

As I browsed the wares, feeling some of the yarn and talking to the wool vendor, I was in seventh heaven. I could get used to this... I thought. The people in the Duke's territory seemed relatively happy, and I knew they had his immense wealth to thank for that, including the opulent trade.

"...missing again? That's the third time this month."

I turned slightly, pretending to examine a yard of fabric as a merchant spoke to a textile vendor in hushed tones beside me. Great... I thought. So much for a relaxing day in the market. I carefully shifted myself closer to overhear their conversation.

"A full crate of fine linens, just... gone. I tell you, someone's stealing right out of the supply lines."

"Was it taken before it arrived?"

"No, it made it to the storage houses. After that, who knows? Either someone's got sticky fingers, or it's being moved somewhere off the books." The merchant shook his head. "I put in a request with the constable, but they haven't found anything yet."

I frowned slightly. The storage houses again. It seemed corruption reached further than just the estate—supplies were vanishing before they even made it to the intended vendors.

I decided to press further. Turning to the textile vendor, I casually asked, "Business seems troubled lately. Are shipments arriving late?"

The old woman gave me a weary look. "More like not arriving at all, my lady. Goods go missing before they ever reach the shelves, and when we ask questions, we get empty promises or silence. I'd wager someone's making a fortune reselling stolen goods elsewhere."

"That is certainly troubling." I tapped my fingers against the wooden stall, considering. The stolen goods had to go somewhere—and someone was profiting. The Shadow Walkers.

"Troubling, sure, but that blasted Lord Arwen won't do nun' about it," the Merchant seethed, butting in, referring to the city's lord.  "and we're not the only ones it happens to. This can't continue, it's bad for busniness. I reckon someone needs to bring this to the Duke."

"Bah! I reckon Lord Arwen is behind it all. The Duke don't know a thing, and he's too stupid to do anything about it," another voice answered, as a second vendor approached.

Somehow, that offended me. What is Lord Arwen doing under my father's nose? As I tried to speak up to defend my fathers honor, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye in a back alley. A face I recognized. The guard! But what's he doing here? He must've been off duty. If I followed him, perhaps I'd get a lead.

With a quick glance behind me, I gave my escort the slip and darted into the alley after the suspicious guard. He was moving quickly, but wasn't expecting someone to follow him, and I kept to the shadows.

I saw him slip into the tavern. Pulling my hood closely over my head, I followed him, walking up to the bar and pretended to be browsing their supply of kegs. I was glad it was chilly and I decided to wear the cloak over my dress.

He met at a table of grim looking men wearing black cloaks. Under their cloaks, the men were well dressed. Likely merchants from another territory, or part of a local gang of some sort. Whoever they were, they obviously didn't want to make people aware that they were meeting. They're definitely shady, I thought. They must be involved with the estate. And the Shadow Walkers.

As a confirmation, I saw the Dragon tattoo on one of the man's hands. They seemed to have caught me looking, and I turned away quickly, my heart pounding. They could snap my neck in an instant, I realized. I need to be careful.

"Young lady, may I help you at all?"

I was startled as the tavern owner approached me. I quickly shook my head. "Oh no, just browsing, thank you!" I said.

She shook her head. "A tavern is no place for a young woman such as yourself. Now, scurry along."

"Yes ma'am," I said politely, pulling the hood tightly over my head. "I was just leaving."

With that, I scurried out the door, but I felt the gazes of the men at the table on my back. As I glanced over my shoulder, I noticed one of them grunt and rise from the table to follow me.

I clenched my fists, putting an extra pep in my step as I maneuvered through the back ally. But the man was still following me.

I was much to far from the market to get help from my escort knight, and besides, I didn't want this man to find out who I was. Where's the way back again? I seemed to have gotten lost in my panicked flight from the tavern. Internally, I was screaming.

As I reached a dead end, I turned around to face the man following me. He had his arms crossed. He looked like he was going to beat me up.

"Can I help you?" I said warily.

The man stepped closer, his dark eyes assessing me. "You were looking a little too closely back there," he said, his voice low and edged with menace. "Curious little birds tend to get their wings clipped."

I forced a shaky laugh, lifting my chin in defiance despite my racing heart. "I was just admiring the tavern's fine selection," I said lightly, though my fingers twitched at my sides. "No crime in that, is there?"

The man smirked, unimpressed. "Depends on who's looking. And what they see."

His dragon-tattoo hand moved toward his cloak, and instinct screamed at me to run. Before he could make another move, I spun on my heel and bolted, shooting through a gap between him and the alley behind him.

The alley was narrow, crates and barrels stacked haphazardly along the walls. I wove between them, my shoes barely making a sound against the damp cobblestones. Good thing I'm not in heels. Behind me, I heard the man curse and give chase.

I didn't dare look back.