The street narrowed as I followed the pull of Juli's insects, and the quiet around me changed in a way that was difficult to ignore.
Earlier, it had felt like empty calm, the kind that lets you breathe for a moment. Now it felt different. The silence was still there, but it no longer felt empty. It felt occupied, like something unseen had settled into it and was simply waiting.
I did not like that feeling, but I kept walking anyway because stopping would not fix it. If anything, stopping would only make me more aware of it, and that was the last thing I needed right now.
I adjusted the pouches in my hand and listened to the faint sound of coins shifting inside. The sound was still satisfying, but it no longer felt harmless. It carried a weight that had nothing to do with how much metal I was holding.
I let out a slow breath and tried to steady my thoughts before they started drifting in the wrong direction again.
