Page 18 of Voices in the Stars (The Lost Witch #1)

We walked through the narrow cobblestone paths of the village.

Well, I walked. Atlas was on a mission as he tore through the streets.

His head turned to signs that hung above each building, quickly skimming each one before changing his direction.

The majority of them had the same drawing of a random animal like the tavern.

Others had symbols burned into the wood.

None of them mattered to him enough to slow his pace.

I only kept part of my attention focused on watching where he turned next.

Being able to take my time was nice. This was the first time I hadn’t been running for my life or fighting some man.

It could’ve been peaceful with the tree branches twisting together above our heads, forming an archway above the stony pathways. Birds watched from the branches.

People wandered the streets near us as they entered and left the different buildings. Most ignored us. They stuck together in groups, clutching each other as their laughter rang through the cold morning air. A chill ran down my spine as they turned from each other to Atlas.

Everyone avoided Atlas like he was diseased.

Fear twisted their faces as they scrambled away from him, eyes wide as they whispered to each other.

Long fingers pointed at him. A couple of people saw him and turned back into the building.

There was a loud click as someone locked a door he had walked close to.

His flinch was quick as he moved past the building, not bothering with that sign.

His threats didn’t seem like they would be enough to earn this reaction. Unless he was a murderer.

A chill passed through me with that thought. I pulled the sides of my cloak tighter against me as bumps broke out along my arms. Now I was the one being dramatic. He’d threatened me, but he’d had several chances to end it, and so far, I was still here.

The pathway wound around each of the buildings. As we walked further, the buildings changed. Sweet smelling smoke wafted from buildings. Bright fabrics hung in windows. Everyone was carrying wicker baskets filled with clothing and food.

I focused back on the horned man in front of me. It would be so easy. Just wait until the next group leaves a building, sneak into the middle of them, and follow one of the other paths that would hopefully lead as far from him as possible. I could be free.

My feet slowed until I was just standing there. People separated around Atlas, but joined back together when they reached me. It only took a few moments before I had lost him in the crowd. Was I really going to just follow a murderer?

No. I wasn’t. My heart pounded as I turned from Atlas. My hands trembled as I kept my pace even as I followed the crowd away from him.