“So? You’ve never seen freckles before?”

“They’re even on your lips,” he says, peering closer.

“Stop looking at my lips.” I clap a hand over my mouth to make it impossible for him.

He grins, as if he finds my reaction amusing. But then he steps back to his side of the road and keeps his eyes on the path ahead.

Who even pays attention to lips?

And how does Kellyn not have a single freckle on him? His hair is red, after all. Don’t those two always go together?

Instead, the sun is darkening his skin, making it glow almost.

I huff.

I am not impressed by him. And his lips are stupid. Look at them. All symmetrical, with the lower slightly bigger than the upper. They pull up into a grin, even though he’s not looking at anyone in particular.

“I can feel you staring,” he says.

I pick up my pace to catch up with Temra.

We know when we’re almost upon the city, because we pass by so many more people on the road. Some are entering Thersa like we are. Others are leaving, manning wagons full of unfamiliar fruits and jewelry and clothing.

The air is so moist that my clothes stick to my skin. It feels as though a light mist blows into my face wherever I turn.

The people are unusually friendly. Everyone makes a point of saying hello as we walk by. They raise one arm high into the air in greeting. Though I think it odd, Kellyn seems unsurprised.

“Thersa is a busy city that relies a lot on trade. The people are sure to greet newcomers warmly. It’s what keeps travelers coming this far north. That and the sights.”

Before we even officially reach the city, merchants are hawking their wares. The smell of spicy meats is thick in the air, and kabobs are brandished under our noses. Temra finally gives in and buys one for each of us.

“Mmm,” she says after taking a bite. “What is this?”

“There are only two things in abundance in Thersa: fish and flightless birds,” Petrik says before Kellyn can.

“Have you been here before, too?” Temra asks.

“No. Part of my schooling was to learn about all the major cities of Ghadra. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of a flightless bird. Did you know that they still have wings?”

Temra grins at his enthusiasm.

Though there are people everywhere, I rest a bit easier knowing the crowds will hide me and Temra. They will keep us safe. This city is our salvation.

And it’s beautiful.

As we travel farther into the market, we can see the fjords. High cliffs tower over the inlet, and waterfalls thunder down into the water below. The sound is soothing, and the sight is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Suddenly all the rainfall doesn’t seem so bad. Not when these waterfalls are the result.

Black-and-white birds swim through the water and waddle on the shores.