Chapter 22
The next day, the eastern sky turned pale, and the snow that had fallen all night finally stopped.
Yoren opened his eyes and rubbed his sore shoulders. Though it was technically a new day, only four hours had passed since they arrived in City E.
Feeling his movement, Guigui stirred beside him, poking her small head out from under his coat.
"Brother Yoren, is it morning?"
"Not quite, but it's time to start moving."
"Oh."
The fire in the room had long since burned out. Yoren shook his kettle—thankfully, the water inside hadn't frozen. He took a deep drink, the cold liquid jolting him awake.
Vina appeared at the top of the stairs, looking as sharp as ever. "Yoren, get up. Time to work."
"Got it."
As Vina left, Yoren took a deep breath and finally let his gaze drift to the cigarette butt in the corner.
His box of Red Plum cigarettes was still sealed. He had been the first to reach the second floor last night, and none of the Glasgow gang members smoked anymore.