What Shouldn't Be Chapter 1:Run
Elle Piper ran through the streets of the Lower City, her heart pounding. Mud and muck splashed and clung to her dress, face and hair, but she only payee attention to the steady rhythm of her boots on the road and the wind whistling through her ears. She stumbled and almost fell, reaching out to catch herself, and looked over her shoulder. She couldn't see them yet, but in the eerie silence their footfalls echoed, their whispers and the sniffs of the dogs-bloodhounds-were amplified for her ears.
She wrenched herself to her feet, starting off again, trying to run quieter. Her legs ached, her head spun, and the amulet she had just stolen bounced against her chest with every step. Stopping abruptly, she tip-toed into an alleyway, splashing through a puddle so (maybe) the bloodhounds wouldn't catch her scent. Once inside the alleyway she spotted an old crate and sat down on it gingerly.
Elle fingered the expensive necklace at her throat. It had been no easy job to get it, but get it she had. And maybe, just maybe, that would prove to her father that he should give her a place in his Court.
Her mother would scream, of course. She would yell at Elle and implore Mithros and the Goddess and ask how any daughter of hers could be reduced to stealing. And then she'd realize how silly that sounded and turn to glare at Elle's father.
Rosto the Piper would try to look like he was disappointed with his daughter, like he knew he should be, but secretly his dark eyes would shine and he'd be glad that one of his children had followed in his footsteps. And that would make it all worth it.
Suddenly loud footsteps neared her hiding place. She rose silently, two daggers sliding into her palms in case she had to defend herself from drunken cutthroats or common thieves.
Her pursuers rounded the corner, and suddenly she could see her target. But it wasn't the target she'd been expecting.
Dogs. And her mother was among them.
Disclaimer (applies to all chapters): I don't own any of Tamora Pierce's recognizable characters or the setting. However, the OC's and the plot are mine
A/N: So this is the first chapter of my re-write of Different. Elle is a bit different but her character will have more depth, which makes me happy. And Evan will make an appearance later, in chapter 2 or 3. I think this one is going to be better but tell me what you think. Review! -rowena