The port town buzzed with life, the narrow cobblestone streets packed with vendors shouting their wares. Children darted between the stalls, their laughter mixing with the clatter of carts and the occasional squawk of a seagull. The air was heavy with salt, spices, and the faint metallic tang of fresh fish from the docks. Taryn kept her steps brisk and her gaze sharp, her discomfort with the chaotic crowd evident in the stiffness of her shoulders.
Lucien, by contrast, looked perfectly at ease. He weaved through the throng of people with a grin, pausing occasionally to banter with vendors or toss a coin to a street performer. His easy charm grated on Taryn's nerves, though she said nothing, focusing instead on the list of supplies they needed.
