Chapter 65

The next morning, Talia and Derek stood at the dormitory balcony, looking down at the courtyard below.

There were merchants with their carts, patiently waiting outside while staff members directed the traffic. 

Then someone rang a bell. Three loud, clear chimes that echoed across the grounds.

"The Blood Moon Market has officially begun!" a voice announced, repeating the same statement twice.  

Talia leaned against the railing. She'd woken up early but she'd told Derek it was because she was excited.

The truth was different. She couldn’t sleep out of worry, a part of her just wanted to be done with what she wanted to get and the other...