Chapter 92: Heading to the Shrine
Snow crusted the porch steps in a neat white rim, the early morning light striking the runes carved into each brick and setting them to a faint, steady glow. Lanterns hung from every doorway nearby, their small etched runes catching the light and turning it to silver. Between houses, long bands of dark blue and silver ribbon had been strung, fluttering overhead and throwing shifting shadows across the lane. The whole compound smelled of woodsmoke, pine, and the sharp sweetness of spiced pastries being prepared for later.
Sophia walked up the path with her cloak wrapped tight. Her breath worked in small puffs and the sound of it seemed loud in the quiet, ritual-stillness of the neighborhood. She had just gotten to Brynhild's home but her steps faltered a bit.
