Strings of amber bulbs hang above the square, their light swaying whenever the evening breeze sweeps through. Hundreds of voices merge beneath them, too quiet to discern individual conversations but too loud to be overlooked.
Every few moments, Ivy catches whispers of "monster" directed at her. Stranger. Human. The words drift through the crowd.
"She looks normal."
"That’s her?"
"No… I heard she burned in the fire and walked out of it."
"My cousin said she glowed."
"Don’t say that too loud."
She ignores all of them.
Guards move among the rows of people, hands resting on their belts, eyes watchful despite the peaceful atmosphere. Some of their guns are concealed beneath their jackets, tucked away in holsters.
The moment Ivy steps into clearer view, conversations don’t stop. They sh
