ARIA'S THREAT

Aria watched Rose’s figure disappear off the path towards the servant’s hall. She spent the next few moments standing at the edge of the market.

The usual banter and noise of the market had yet to return. It seemed like the traders were not going to resume until they were sure that she had left.

Aria’s mind was entirely focused on her conversation with Rose, especially the last part. The warmth of their talk still clung tightly to her. She could tell that Rose was troubled by something, she just didn’t know what.

As the silence settled in around the market, so did Aria’s thoughts.

She wasn’t ready to go back to the cottage. Not yet at least.

She now had evolved senses, she needed to put them to the test.

With a long drawn-out breath, Aria savored the scent of the market as she began walking forward, away from the servant’s hall and deep towards the clawhold.

The snow had begun to melt under the heat of the mid-day sun, so the stone paths were slippery. Aria walked slowly, making sure