Chapter 34: Eli Was Missing

"Hello Islinda, long time no see," said Belinda, the merchant used to buying her produce from the hunt. 

"Nice to see you too, Belinda," Islinda responded, yet her gaze traveled to the side, taking in the sight of her step-sister, Remy, and Eli looking around the meat market. 

Islinda let out an exasperated sigh, why would Remy insist to come to the market with her along with Eli? It bothered her. Perhaps, she came to monitor how much she sold the deer hide? It was not a secret that her stepmother always wanted gains from the sale. 

Most of the time, Islinda lied about the price she sold them, that way she had more money to save. But now, she couldn't tell anymore. What if Remy comes back to question Belinda later? But then, Islinda trusted the woman would keep her mouth shut. Everyone in the village already knew about her situation in the family. 

"Is that the boy?" Belinda peered out from the store, following the direction of Islinda's gaze.