The biting wind howled through the narrow streets of the city, whipping the worn cobblestones and striking the few passersby brave enough to venture into the cruel night chill. Hunger tightened Siren's stomach like invisible claws, and exhaustion made her thin legs tremble.
The little girl with silver hair huddled against a damp wall in a dark alley, hugging her knees to her chest in a futile attempt to retain warmth. Her golden eyes, once vibrant, were now dull, reflecting only the desperation of someone who had long ago stopped believing that tomorrow would be any better.
The aroma of freshly baked bread floated in the air, coming from a nearby bakery, making her stomach growl painfully. She pulled her arms tighter around herself, trying to ignore the temptation, knowing she couldn't just go in and take something.
She had tried before.