Shadows of Grace

Renee wiped her brow with the back of her hand, but it only smeared more dirt across her face. She bar

es. The vendors around her were louder, their stalls grander, and their clothes cleaner. People rushed past

en turned around. The merchant, a heavyset man with a perpetual scow

market. Swallowing her pride, she bent to gather her basket. She wasn't one

eaming under the sunlight with fine silks and jewels displayed in an intimidating array. Lady Vivienn

rom her thoughts. Maren, her only friend, rushed tow

r heartbeat quickening at the

oulder nervously. "I heard something today. Celeste Vivienne-sh

omach knot. "Stea

s." Maren lowered her voice further. "S

it was her own privilege that made her despise anyone who lived beneath her, or maybe it was because, deep down, she feared what

e asked, trying to keep

t thing you need is to be accused of something you didn't do. Yo

s, but being falsely accused of theft? That was a line she feared cross

ind clouded with worry. She'd done nothing wrong, but the weight of Celeste's

th hunger. The streets grew quieter as the day died, leaving only the dista