Elara’s POV
The little shop on the very edge of the territory was a mess. Jars of dried leaves and weird liquids were stacked on every single shelf, and honestly, if I didn't know any better, I’d think I walked into a hoarder's basement. But I knew exactly who lived here.
Selene was sitting behind a low counter, sorting through a pile of roots. She didn't even look up when the bell above the door jangled.
"You're late," she said, her voice dry as paper. "I was starting to think you got caught by one of the King's patrols."
"Please. Those guards couldn't track a bear in a small closet," I said, tossing my grey cloak onto a nearby stool and sitting down across from her. "The rogue scout I questioned in the market gave me your location. He was very cooperative after I adjusted his fingers
