Free Shadowcry by Jenna Burtenshaw

fell. Then she slid the rolled strip carefully into the lock, pushing the key gently, hoping it would not make too much noise when it hit the floor.
    Gradually, the key worked loose. Kate tensed when it dropped, and the metal rang out hard against the wooden boards. She froze, waiting for someone to come up to investigate the sound. No one came. Once she was sure it was safe, she pulled the slice of paper back into the room with her fingertips, with the weight of the door key balanced precariously on one of the corners. She snatched it up as soon as it was in sight and dug it into the lock. The handle clicked and the door creaked open.
    The length of her chain gave Kate just enough room to allow her to step out onto the landing, where she could hear distant voices talking at the bottom of the stairs. There was a woman’s voice and a louder one belonging to the boardinghouse owner, but she could only make out his half of the conversation.
    â€œThere has been no talk of the Skilled in this town for ten years or more,” she heard him say as she edged closer to the top of the staircase. “If there was a Skilled girl, she has not come this way. The people here have been more careful than in the south. No. No meetings. If any of them had passed through this town, you can be sure I would know.”
    â€œVery well,” came the woman’s voice, clearer now as Kate leaned out over the steps.
    â€œWe will call you if we require you again,” said Silas. “Leave us.”
    Kate heard shuffling steps as the boardinghouse owner walked away and a door closed somewhere down below.
    â€œThese people are hiding something,” said Da’ru. “What news do you have about the girl? Do we have her yet?”
    â€œIt appears Kalen’s information was incorrect,” said Silas. “The only Winters we found here was a bookseller with no family. He is already in custody and shows no aptitude for the Skill. This could have been merely a futile effort in the hope of regaining your trust. Kalen is known to be a desperate man, but the harvest is proceeding well nonetheless. Our presence here may yet prove worthwhile.”
    â€œNo. There is someone in this town,” said Da’ru. “A girl. I have sensed her.”
    â€œIf so, then you can be sure she will be found,” said Silas. “My men are scouring every street, and the town gates are locked. No one will get out.”
    Da’ru’s voice fell quiet, and Kate had to strain to hear her words. “This is the closest we have ever been, Silas,” she said, her words dark and dangerous. “I am certain the book is hidden somewhere in Fume. We will find it soon, and with a Winters to use it . . . I do not have to tell you what that would mean. The book is mine . That girl’s family stole it from me, and if it takes the rest of my life, I will discover its secrets. Do not leave this town until your men are certain there are no Skilled left. Check empty houses, cellars, everything. I want that girl, Silas. Find her for me.”
    Kate backed slowly into the attic room, lifting up the silver chain so it did not scrape across the floor. Even if she could remove it somehow, Silas was right, there was nowhere to go—and as much as she feared him, instinct told her that she should fear that woman even more.
    Kate locked herself in the attic room and pushed the key back under the door where Silas would find it. There was nothing she could do to help herself, not with so many people in the house. She stood in the shadows at the side of the attic window, forcing herself to concentrate upon anything other than the woman downstairs. From her viewpoint just above the rooftops, Morvane looked large enough to hide anyone. Anyone except her. She had been careless. After everything Artemis had taught her, she had allowed herself to get caught.
    Thin pillars of smoke rose from faraway buildings that had fallen prey to the