Chapter 42
Maria walked toward her mother's village. Despite her silent movement and joy in her new body, she wished she could still drift like the mist along the ground.
Something did not feel right here. Something dangerous.
The wagon's creaking wheels brought her to a stop far beyond the edge of her circling exit paths. The eerily perfect and empty houses were between her and the path back down the mountain. Maria crouched behind a sprawling oak tree, her view unobstructed and her position well-hidden.
After her early morning flight with nothing but the stolen clothes she wore, Maria knew she might have to observe at first. She needed more information. She had to know the strength and weakness of Igor and anyone he brought with him. If she had to, she'd wait until one or all of them
